Transcutaneous monitoring

corks · Jul 20, 2003

Some units use it and some don't. I have'nt used it for a few years now. But basically transcutaneous oxygen monitoring measures oxygen tension across the skin by use of a heated electrode. You get a tcpO2 and a tcpCO2 reading. A rising CO2 sometimes indicated that you needed to give your ETT tube a suck out. Unfortunately I saw a number of skin burns from these monitors despite their positions being change frequently and if you have an odematous baby, you could get a false reading. Pulse oximetry calculates oxygen saturation by use of a light sensor, you are not suppose to get burns with these but I have seen them. Pulse oximetry can be a pain as it is susceptible to the movement of the baby and you can spend most of your shift getting repeative strain injury from hitting the alarm mute button. if using a sats machine you should always correlate your sao2 to your blood gas results that way you will know what sats are good for your baby.Hope thats as clear as mud:) Good Luck. Corks

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Jul 20, 2003

Thank you!!

fergus51 · Jul 21, 2003

I really like th transcutaneous monitors for the pco2 readins. We do have to check to make sure they are atually corelating by doing a gas, but usully they work well.

RN from OZ · Jul 21, 2003

We no longer use them due to burns

if we are worried we get a capillary gas from a heel prick

Mira · Jul 21, 2003

in england,some hospitals use it some don`t.If you have the older type it takes ages to calibrate(and you need to do it each time you change the position-2 sites is preferred,changin can be every 3hours),the temp on the probe can reach up to 42degree centigrade so it really can burn especially a very prem skin.with pulse oximetry the light source can heat up as well for longer use,it is recommended to change the site every diaper change to prevent burning and to promote circulation.

nicudaynurse · Jul 21, 2003

We use them occasionaly on really sick babies. They allowed us to know if the baby was shunting.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jul 22, 2003

We don't use them anymore...for at least 10 years. We have VIA's for frequent arterial samplings...it takes the blood out, analayzes it and puts it back :)