Letter: A case of pressure ulcer development on a patient's ear as a result of pulse oximetry probe

摘要

Patients in intensive care unit (ICU) are haemodynamically unstable. All of them are monitored with advanced monitoring systems. Oxygenation in critically ill patients is very important. This parameter in this group of patients is monitored with pulse oximetry apparatus. Pulse oximetry probe is usually attached to the hand and foot fingers. In some patients, especially critically ill patients who are agitated, this probe may be attached to the other site of body. Ears are the least choice for this purpose. New studies on Iran intensive care units have reported an incidence of pressure ulcer between 5.3 and 11.8 among this group of patients (1.2).