What type of equipment is primarily used to assess oxygen saturation in patients?

The pulse oximeter is the primary equipment used to assess oxygen saturation in patients. This non-invasive device measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen, providing crucial information about a patient's respiratory function. By simply placing the pulse oximeter on a finger, toe, or earlobe, it can quickly and accurately display the oxygen saturation levels, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor a patient's respiratory status effectively.

The other equipment listed serves different functions. A stethoscope is used for auscultation, allowing nurses and doctors to listen to internal sounds such as heartbeats and lung sounds. A pneumometer measures airflow during breathing, which is useful in assessing lung function but does not provide direct measurements of oxygen saturation. Lastly, a sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure, which is important for assessing cardiovascular health, but again not related to measuring oxygen levels in the blood. Thus, the pulse oximeter is the appropriate choice for assessing oxygen saturation.