In which of the following patients would transcutaneous blood gas monitoring most likely pro-vide inaccurate or erroneous results?

a. Newborn infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
b. Patient with hypoxemia
c. Patient with a hyperpyrexia
d. Patient in hypovolemic shock


ANS: D
This is because accurate transcutaneous measures require adequate skin perfusion. Low cardiac output, shock, and dehydration all cause peripheral vasoconstriction and impair capillary flow, which lowers the PtcO2 level.

Health Professions

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