Final answer:
After digit replantation, worrisome pulse oximetry readings are those below 95%, indicating hypoxemia, which could signal vascular compromise. Immediate medical attention is required in such cases, and monitoring PO2 levels from arterial blood gas analysis is also important.
Step-by-step explanation:
After a digit replantation, a pulse oximetry reading that is worrisome for vascular compromise would be values that are significantly lower than the normal range. A normal pulse oximeter reading typically falls between 95-100 percent saturation. Readings falling below this range suggest hypoxemia, which is a condition with low oxygen levels in the blood, indicating possible vascular compromise and insufficient blood flow to the replanted digit. In the context of a digit replantation, any substantial decrease in oxygen saturation is cause for concern, and a patient exhibiting readings below 95 percent, particularly if accompanied by signs of ischemia such as pallor or necrosis, should receive immediate medical attention to address the potential loss of blood circulation. Additionally, the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) levels obtained from arterial blood gas analysis is also a critical indicator, with normal ranges typically recorded in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Along with pulse oximeter readings, monitoring for clinical signs of vascular insufficiency is vital for the success of a digit replantation. Health care professionals closely monitor these values, particularly in the acute postoperative phase.