Erroneous PCO2 measurements can be caused by which of the following?
1. A worn electrode
2. A cracked electrode
3. Wearing out of the silver anode
4. Increased temperature of the patient
5. Dehydration of bicarbonate solution
a. 1 and 5 c. 3 and 4
b. 2 and 3 d. 1, 2, and 5
ANS: D
The most common problems encountered with a PCO2 electrode involve interference with the diffusion of CO2 across the Teflon membrane and the H+ ions across the glass membrane from either worn or cracked electrodes or protein deposits. If the bicarbonate solution dehydrates be-tween the Teflon membrane and the pH glass electrode, erroneous data can result.
You might also like to view...
You are assessing a patient with COPD who uses an oxygen concentrator. As such, you recognize:
A) the patient cannot leave home with the concentrator. B) the patient has a tracheostomy tube with oxygen attachement. C) the patient requires less than 6 lpm of oxygen. D) the oxygen device humidifies the O2 prior to delivery.
Mike has sustained a fracture of the left tibia from playing football. The fracture has failed to unite. This is known as a __________ fracture
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word