The effect of nursing interventions on transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions

The objectives for this study were to (a) establish reference values for transcutaneous oxygen tension (PtcO2) and carbon dioxide tension (PtcCO2) in response to three common patient events (a nurse-administered bed bath, passive range-of-motion exercises, and turning from side to side), and (b) determine if these physiological parameters vary according to the order in which the interventions are administered. A convenience sample of 30 healthy men and women were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, which designated the order in which the interventions were administered. Instrumentation included a Novametrix Model 840 transcutaneous monitor, a Dinamap BP monitor, a BoMed NCCOM3 cardiovascular monitor, and YSI 44008 thermistors. Analysis of ambient temperature at baseline revealed that the room was significantly cooler for men than for women. Analysis of covariance revealed no significant difference between men and women, except at baseline. The mean PtcO2 for each activity, as well as the post-activity period, was significantly higher than at baseline. There was a significant interaction between gender and activity for PtcO2 and PtcCO2. For both men and women, the mean changes in PtcCO2 were statistically significant but clinically insignificant. The order in which interventions were administered did not have a significant effect on either PtcO2 or PtcCO2. The results suggest that the physical activity associated with nursing interventions may significantly improve oxygen levels in the skin by stimulating overall cutaneous circulation.