Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Dual-mode Imaging of Cutaneous Tissue Oxygenation and Vascular Function
Published on: December 8, 2010
Relationship between nurses' assessments of perfusion and toe temperature in pediatric patients with cardiovascular
1Yale-New Haven Hospital, Conn.
Insights
This study found that both common nursing scales and specialized scales accurately assess peripheral perfusion in children post open-heart surgery, using toe temperature as a measure. A combined approach using the best components of all scales is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Nursing Assessment
- Cardiovascular Care
Background:
- Accurate assessment of peripheral perfusion is crucial for pediatric patients recovering from open-heart surgery.
- Existing nursing scales for peripheral perfusion assessment are often qualitative and may lack precision.
- There is a need to validate and potentially refine assessment tools for post-surgical pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of common nursing scales versus specialized quantitative scales in assessing peripheral perfusion.
- To determine the relationship between peripheral perfusion assessments and actual great toe temperature in children after open-heart surgery.
- To identify the most effective components of assessment scales for evaluating peripheral perfusion in this population.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study involving 17 children who underwent open-heart surgery.
- 119 individual assessments were conducted within 6 and 18 hours post-operation.
- Peripheral perfusion was assessed using common nursing scales and specialized quantitative scales by bedside nurses and trained observers, respectively, with great toe temperature as the objective measure.
Main Results:
- Both common nursing scales and specialized scales, assessed by nurses and trained observers, accurately reflected peripheral perfusion as measured by toe temperature.
- Analyses identified specific scales that demonstrated superior performance in assessing peripheral perfusion.
- The study confirmed a correlation between the qualitative and quantitative assessments of peripheral perfusion and objective temperature measurements.
Conclusions:
- Both nursing and specialized scales are reliable for assessing peripheral perfusion in pediatric patients post open-heart surgery.
- The findings support the use of objective measures like toe temperature in conjunction with validated scales.
- A refined assessment method integrating the most effective elements from various scales is proposed to enhance clinical practice.
Abstract:
This descriptive study reports on 17 children who had undergone open-heart surgery. The children were assessed for 6 hours after surgery and once at 18 hours after operation to determine relationship between two scales assessing peripheral perfusion and the temperature of the great toe. There were 119 individual assessments. The scales used to assess the quality of peripheral pulses, extremity warmth, and capillary refill were (1) those representative of assessment scales used in common nursing practice and (2) more specific scales that attempt to "quantify" the qualitative assessment of peripheral perfusion. The more specific set of scales was used by "trained observers," with the bedside nurse using the nurses' scales. Results demonstrated that both sets of scales and observers were accurate in assessing peripheral perfusion as measured by the actual toe temperature. Analyses revealed which scales were better than others, and a method of assessing peripheral perfusion that includes the best components of all scales is suggested.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Factors Affecting Body Temperature
Factors may include:
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
01:29Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management