Which of the following is the main physiologic factor responsible for deriving accurate transcutaneous data?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Changes in perfusion can adversely affect the accuracy of transcutaneous measurements. The skin reacts to cold, shock, and certain drugs by contracting the superficial blood vessels, opening larger, deeper arterioles to achieve a shunting effect. Capillary blood flow is reduced on exposure to cold temperatures in order to reduce the loss of body heat. Shock and certain medications can also divert blood from capillaries to the central circulation. In all cases of reduced capillary perfusion, the capillary blood that is measured using a transcutaneous monitor may reflect measurements associated with venous blood, with a considerably lower PO₂ and higher PCO₂ (compared to values obtained with good capillary perfusion). If a patient has poor skin integrity, transcutaneous monitoring may also be contraindicated.

Which of the Following Is the Main Physiologic Factor Responsible