Chapter 12-Digit Plethysmography and Pressure

Question 1

What is digit photo - plethysmography?

Answer 1

detects cutaneous blood flow (close to skin). Basically when we put the sensor on the toes to get the pressures.

Question 2

Explain the process of photo-plethysmography.

Answer 2

A photocell uses LED and photosensor, blood attenuates the amount of light reflected back, increased blood content in tissues results in MORE attenuation aka a positive upstroke of waveform.

I know that’s a lot. its confusing

Question 3

Digit photo-plethysmography can detect Raynauds disease. What would this look like?

Answer 3

PEAKED waveform.

Question 4

When we are doing the cold stress test to determine if a patient has Raynauds, what is the process for this?

Answer 4

Immerse hands in ice water bath for three minutes. After removed take pressure…wait 5 mintues then REDO pressures to see how long it takes to recover.

Question 5

What is considered a “positive study/cold sensitivity”

Answer 5

if waveforms don’t return to baseline after 5 minute mark.