What is the most reliable method for determining whether or not this patient has cyanosis?
Show Contents loading... Editors loading... Categories loading... When refering to evidence in academic writing, you should always try to reference the primary (original) source. That is usually the journal article where the information was first stated. In most cases Physiopedia articles are a secondary source and so should not be used as references. Physiopedia articles are best used to find the original sources of information (see the references list at the bottom of the article). If you believe that this Physiopedia article is the primary source for the information you are refering to, you can use the button below to access a related citation statement. Introduction[edit | edit source]The word cyanosis derives etymologically from the greek word kyanos, that means dark blue color. Cyanosis is the condition when the skin or the mucous membranes turn blue. The differential diagnosis of cyanosis can be difficult because there are many possible causes for this condition. [1]  Peripheral cyanosis in the fingers. Presentation[edit | edit source]Cyanosis can be best appreciated in areas with rich superficial vasculature and thin overlying dermis. In fact,the parts of the body most commonly affected are:
Cyanosis can be classified as central, peripheral, and differential. Causes[edit | edit source]Cyanosis is a pathologic sign taht does not represent a disease by itself. Cyanosis can mean that there is not enough oxygen in the arterial blood (<80-85%) , or poor blood circulation. The blue colouration is due to the unsaturated haemoglobin in the blood.[3] It can be caused by:
Other causes of cyanosis include:
Peripheral Cyanosis[edit | edit source]Peripheral Cyanosis (fingers, toes and ears) occurs as a result of increased oxygen extraction by the peripheral tissue in the capillary bed. Low cardiac output, venous stasis (the pooling of blood in the veins), or exposure to extreme cold causing vasoconstrictions.[4] Central Cyanosis[edit | edit source]Central Cyanosis (mouth, lips and tongue) indicates a gaseous exchange problem, although it is an unreliable measure for hypoxaemia. [5] This could be caused by:
[7] Treatment[edit | edit source]To treat central cyanosis, it is necessary to manage the underlying conditions. If not the other treatments options according to the clinical situation are:
Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]The most frequent intrinsic causes of cyanosis are cardiac and respiratory diseases, where physiotherapy plays a role in the treatment of these conditions. In this area of physiotherapy the most effective and evidence-based interventions are not only the traditional ones such as airway clearance and breathing exercises, but also general and specific muscular training for both the aerobic and anaerobic systems.[8] References[edit | edit source]
How can you tell if a patient has cyanosis?Cyanosis is characterized by bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes. Cyanosis is usually a sign of an underlying condition rather than being a disease in itself. The most common symptoms of the condition are bluish discoloration of the lips, fingers, and toes.
How do you test for clinical cyanosis?One approach to assessing the etiology of cyanosis is to obtain a heparinized arterial blood specimen. If the sample is dark red and becomes bright red on shaking in air, one should perform blood gas analysis on another specimen to confirm arterial hypoxemia.
What determines cyanosis?Central cyanosis. Central cyanosis is often due to a circulatory or ventilatory problem that leads to poor blood oxygenation in the lungs. It develops when arterial oxygen saturation drops below 85% or 75%.
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