Peripheral Cyanosis

Lack of oxygen. That is the first thing we have in mind when we see any person or patient that has peripheral cyanosis. Initially, what most of us perform is to introduce or supplement patient with oxygen. However, this can help the patient to gain more oxygen but it will not help the patient from getting rid of the bluish or purple discoloration of their phalanges. 

What do you think is the reason?

Although we have a general knowledge that a person that started to become cyanotic must have oxygen. This is true, but we need to know the cause of that problem.

A patient that is suffering from peripheral cyanosis does indeed have enough oxygen in their blood. If you are going to check their physical saturation, you will notice that the SPO2 is almost  98-100%. Now, you will think what is wrong with your patient. 

Problems:

Lack of oxygen in the extremities or phalanges or fingers/toes

Causative:

Blockage

Cardiac problem

Respiratory problem

Hypothermia

Intervention:

Refer

If unattended after referral assess patient from cephalo-caudal

Check for clubbing of fingers

Check for capillary refill

Blood works

And others