Transcutaneous Co2 Monitoring Quiz

1. Transcutaneous CO2 monitoring is more accurate than blood gas sampling?

True

False

Arterial blood gas sampling is still regarded as the most accurate method

Explanation

Arterial blood gas sampling is still regarded as the most accurate method

2. The quoted local audit found that the transcutaneous CO2 monitors were accurate to within ________ mmHg in non-cooled babies. Please choose correct option to fill in the blank

12

1.2

0.12

The quoted local audit found that the transcutaneous CO2 monitors were accurate to within 1.2 mmHg in non-cooled babies. This means that the monitors provided measurements that were close to the actual CO2 levels in the babies, with an acceptable margin of error of 1.2 mmHg.

Explanation

The quoted local audit found that the transcutaneous CO2 monitors were accurate to within 1.2 mmHg in non-cooled babies. This means that the monitors provided measurements that were close to the actual CO2 levels in the babies, with an acceptable margin of error of 1.2 mmHg.

3. Transcutaneous CO2 monitoring involves analysing the baby's breath?

True

False

End tidal CO2 monitors analyse exhaled breath to estimate blood CO2 levels.

Transcutaneous CO2 monitoring analyses gases that diffuse through the skin in order to estimate blood CO2 levels

Explanation

End tidal CO2 monitors analyse exhaled breath to estimate blood CO2 levels.

Transcutaneous CO2 monitoring analyses gases that diffuse through the skin in order to estimate blood CO2 levels

4. Transcutaneous CO2 monitors can be used to monitor reperfusion (return of blood supply) during wound healing?

True

False

Transcutaneous CO2 monitors have been used to assess wound healing for example in adult pressure ulcers.

Explanation

Transcutaneous CO2 monitors have been used to assess wound healing for example in adult pressure ulcers.

5. In order for the transcutaneous sensor to measure CO2 only in a neonate, what is the recommended temperature that the skin should be heated to?

50 Degrees Celsius

43 Degrees Celsius

32 Degrees Celsius

41 Degrees Celsius

The manufacturer recommended setting is 41 Degrees Celsius, however researchers have found good correlation of readings even down to 37 Degrees Celsius.

Explanation

The manufacturer recommended setting is 41 Degrees Celsius, however researchers have found good correlation of readings even down to 37 Degrees Celsius.

6. How often does the manufacturer suggest that the sensor site be rotated when monitoring CO2 in neonates?

Every 4 hours

Every 30 minutes

Every 8 hours

Every other day

It is suggested that the site be rotated every 8 hours if monitoring CO2 alone but every 2 hours if monitoring both oxygen and CO2 (as the probe is then heated to 43 degrees). This is to avoid any thermal damage of skin.

Explanation

It is suggested that the site be rotated every 8 hours if monitoring CO2 alone but every 2 hours if monitoring both oxygen and CO2 (as the probe is then heated to 43 degrees). This is to avoid any thermal damage of skin.

7. Choose suitable site(s) for placing the transcutaneous sensor

Any bony prominence

On the chest when supine

On the back when prone

Inner thigh

As shown in the quick reference guide probes may be placed on the torso front and back as well as the inner thigh as these are all well perfused areas. NB: Care should be taken when choosing sites on the torso to avoid where possible positions that will obscure lung fields if a chest x-ray is taken.

Explanation

As shown in the quick reference guide probes may be placed on the torso front and back as well as the inner thigh as these are all well perfused areas. NB: Care should be taken when choosing sites on the torso to avoid where possible positions that will obscure lung fields if a chest x-ray is taken.

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8. Which of these options are associated with low levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood? (You may choose more than one option)

Respiratory acidosis

Reduced blood flow to the brain

Increased blood flow to the brain

Respiratory alkalosis

Low carbon dioxide leads causes arterial blood vessels to constrict. This will reduce the blood flow to the brain.

Hyperventilation (breathing too fast) leads to low levels of blood CO2 and is known as respiratory alkalosis.

Explanation

Low carbon dioxide leads causes arterial blood vessels to constrict. This will reduce the blood flow to the brain.

Hyperventilation (breathing too fast) leads to low levels of blood CO2 and is known as respiratory alkalosis.

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9. Choose which factors would inhibit the accuracy of the transcutaneous sensor?

Oedema

Phototherapy

Septic shock

Air bubble between sensor and skin

Oedema and septic shock can lead to hypo-perfusion of the skin tissue which may lead the monitor to overestimate the blood CO2 levels

Air bubbles between the sensor and skin lead to inaccurate readings , the sensor would need to be re-applied.

Explanation

Oedema and septic shock can lead to hypo-perfusion of the skin tissue which may lead the monitor to overestimate the blood CO2 levels

Air bubbles between the sensor and skin lead to inaccurate readings , the sensor would need to be re-applied.

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10. When changing the sensor membrane the handheld 'membrane changer' goes through four steps. Please match the steps in order.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

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