The machines we use in hospital to monitor vital signs, both in routine situations as well as emergency situations have a piece that covers the nail. This is to read pulse rate (not difficult to find an alternative, often more reliable source!) But it also reads oxygen sats. If the patient is below safe oxygen levels read by this machine, they will require oxygen therapy. There has been some comments made that any nail coating may alter results.
We also use capillary refill assessment using the nail, to see how circulation is performing. Again, this is in an emergency situation.
I'm due for an advance life support update soon, I will ask the resus instructor specifically about how nail coatings may or may not affect this. Research is changing all the time and each time I update, something new has come in, so I will be interested in what he has to say.
None of us know if we would require emergency care, so I am confused about the six months pregnant and may require treatment part of this thread.