Which factor can cause inaccuracy of transcutaneous monitoring due to skin characteristics?

• A. Hypothermia
• B. Hypovolemic Shock
• C. Elevated Peripheral Cutaneous Resistance (Thick Skin)
• D. Hyperthermia

Answer: (C)

Transcutaneous monitoring relies on gases diffusing through the skin from arterialized capillaries to the sensor, so readings are highly sensitive to how easily the skin allows diffusion. When the skin has elevated resistance, such as from thick or calloused skin, the diffusion distance increases and the sensor’s signal takes longer to equilibrate with the blood. That extra diffusion barrier makes the measurement lag and become less accurate, especially during rapid physiological changes, even if the skin is heated to boost perfusion.

Other systemic temperature effects can alter perfusion and thus readings, but they aren’t skin-structure characteristics. The factor that directly compromises accuracy because of the skin itself is thick skin with higher peripheral cutaneous resistance.