What method should the respiratory therapist recommend to monitor an infant's oxygenation after birth?

• A. Capillary blood gas analysis
• B. Arterial blood gas analysis
• C. Transcutaneous PCO2 monitor
• D. Pulse oximetry

Answer: (D)

Monitoring an infant's oxygenation after birth is crucial for ensuring their health and well-being. The recommended method of pulse oximetry provides a non-invasive, continuous way to assess the oxygen saturation levels in the blood. It measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen, allowing for real-time monitoring of the infant's respiratory status.

Pulse oximetry is particularly effective in the neonatal setting since it can quickly alert healthcare providers to any changes in oxygenation. This is especially important for infants, who may experience rapid fluctuations in their oxygen levels. The device is simple to use and can be placed on the infant's hand or foot without causing discomfort.

In contrast, methods like capillary and arterial blood gas analyses, while valuable for assessing blood gases and pH, are invasive and typically reserved for more critical situations. Transcutaneous PCO2 monitors also provide useful information regarding carbon dioxide levels, but they do not measure oxygen saturation directly. Thus, pulse oximetry stands out as the most practical initial method for monitoring oxygenation in infants immediately after birth.