Author Question: Which of the following devices should be used for noninvasive monitoring of oxygen tension of a ... (Read 39 times)

sam.t96 · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

Which of the following devices should be used for noninvasive monitoring of oxygen tension of a premature newborn?

a. In vivo PO2 c. Point-of-care PO2
b. Pulse oximetry d. Transcutaneous PO2

Question 2

A patient on continuous pulse oximetry is receiving supplemental oxygen. Her SpO2 has been 93 2 for the past 12 hours.

The pulse oximeter suddenly emits an alarm and reads 78. A rapid assessment reveals central and peripheral cyanosis and shortness of breath. Which of the following is the appropriate imme-diate action?
a. Take a stat arterial blood gas reading.
b. Recalibrate the pulse oximeter.
c. Change the pulse oximeter probe.
d. Decrease the supplemental oxygen.

polinasid · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Newborns are usually monitored with transcutaneous PO2 monitors because they are noninvasive and the ratio of transcutaneous PO2 to PaO2 measured by hemoximetry has been shown to be good for neonatal use. In vivo PO2 and point-of-care PO2 are invasive. Pulse oximetry is affected by light sources such as heat lamps used with premature newborns and is therefore not used with these patients.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Even if the pulse oximeter's accuracy is in question at this time, the fact that the patient is exhib-iting central and peripheral cyanosis and shortness of breath indicates that there is an oxygenation problem. The presence of peripheral cyanosis indicates that the patient's extremities are in a low perfusion state. Taking a stat arterial blood gas is the only way to fully assess this patient's cur-rent oxygenation status.