Transcutaneous oxygen measurements: implications for nursing.

Transcutaneous oxygen measurement is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that records the partial pressure of oxygen at the skin surface. This measurement provides information regarding the supply and delivery of oxygen to the underlying microvascular circulation. It can be used for adults in wound evaluation, hyperbaric therapy, plastic surgery, amputation level determination, and peripheral vascular disease assessment, including the status of limb revascularization procedures. This article presents an overview of transcutaneous oxygen measurement and situations that influence measurement levels, including environmental, dermal, physiologic, and mechanical factors. Nursing considerations and indications for further research are also discussed.