You must immediately begin monitoring the oxygenation status of ...

[Lobcity]

You must immediately begin monitoring the oxygenation status of an infant admitted to the emergency department in severe respiratory distress. Which of the following approaches would you select?
 
  a. Pulse oximetry (SpO2)
  b. Transcutaneous monitoring (PtcO2)
  c. Arterial puncture (PaO2)
  d. Intraarterial optode monitoring

Question 2

To validate patient readings obtained from a transcutaneous blood gas monitor, what should you do?
 
  a. Measure and compare the PtcO2 and Ptc-CO2 at three or more different sites.
  b. Compare the monitor's readings to a con-current pulse oximetry reading.
  c. Compare the monitor's readings to those obtained with a concurrent ABG sample.
  d. Compare the patient reading to those ob-tained when calibrating the sensor.

[livaneabi]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
In terms of technical limitations, the lengthy stabilization time needed by transcutaneous moni-tors precludes their use during short procedures or in emergencies. In such cases, the pulse oxi-meter is a better choice.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Once the electrodes are properly set up, the clinician should compare the monitor readings with those obtained with a concurrent ABG.

[Lobcity]

TYSM

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Excellent