The nurse enters a client's room with a pulse oximetry machine and tells the client that the health care provider (HCP) has prescribed continuous oxygen saturation readings. The client's facial expression changes to one of apprehension. The nurse can alleviate the client's anxiety by providing which information about pulse oximetry?

A. It causes only mild discomfort at the site the probe is placed: Pulse oximetry is noninvasive and typically does not cause any discomfort unless the probe is left on too long or applied too tightly. B. It requires insertion of only a small catheter in one nostril: This refers to oxygen delivery via nasal cannula, not pulse oximetry. Mentioning catheter insertion may increase the client’s apprehension, as it implies an invasive procedure, which pulse oximetry is not. C. It is painless and safe: Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method that uses light to measure oxygen saturation through a fingertip or earlobe, making it both painless and very safe for continuous monitoring. D. It has an alarm to signal dangerous drops in oxygen levels: While accurate, focusing on alarms may heighten the client’s anxiety by implying that dangerous events are expected. This information is more relevant after the client is reassured about the procedure’s safety.