Society for Pediatric Anesthesia
We make anesthesia for children safer

A 5-year-old female is being monitored in the PACU after an EGD. During the EGD, she received oropharyngeal benzocaine spray. She is calm with a heart rate of 96 bpm, blood pressure of 98/56 mmHg, and an SpO₂ of 85% while on 2L/min supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula. What is the MOST likely mechanism of decreased SpO₂ in this patient?

A.  Patient motion causing artifact
B.  Binding of carbon monoxide to the oxygen-binding site of hemoglobin
C.  Oxidation of ferrous iron to ferric iron on hemoglobin
D.  Hypotension resulting in decreased pulsatile flow

Answer the Question