Chapter 10

Question 1

what are some capabilites for transcutaneous oximetry TcPO2?

Answer 1

wound healing and amputation level determination

reflects tissue oxygen tension and relies on a balance between oxygen supply and consumption

Question 2

what are limitations of TcPO2?

Answer 2

inability to keep electrode fairly flat on the skin surface

electrode placement must be on intact skin

Question 3

what is the positioning for TcPO2?

Answer 3

patient supine, head slightly elevated

room is warm

Question 4

what temperature does electrode hears the skin?

Answer 4

45 degrees C

Question 5

what happens when the skin is heated up?

Answer 5

blood volume increases
lipid layer in fatty tissue melts
more O2 escapes through skin, measure by senor in electrode

Question 6

what happens when the O2 escapes?

Answer 6

a chemical reaction occurs in electrolyte solution, located between skin and electrode surface

Question 7

what is the unit that TcPO2 is measured in?

Answer 7

converted to pO2 reading in mmHg

Question 8

what is the technique for TcPO2?

Answer 8

skin cleaned with alcohol wipe, air dried
airtight self-adhesive fixation ring placed on skin
few drops of electrolyte solution put inside ring
electrode.senor is affixed to fixation ring
takes about 15-20 min to obtain reading for pO2

Question 9

what is the normal values for TCPO2?

Answer 9

healing should occur with a pO2 reading of 70-80mmHg

Question 10

what is borderline healing numbers?

Answer 10

30-40 mmHg

Question 11

what is non- healing / poor values?

Answer 11

10-15mmHg