Research Gastric tonometry and monitoring gastrointestinal perfusion: using research to support nursing practice.

• The principles and physiological underpinnings of gastric tonometry are reviewed • Tonometric variables, including the PtCO2, pHi and CO2 gap, are described and critiqued as measurements of gastrointestinal perfusion • Increases in gastrointestinal CO2 unrelated to gastrointestinal hypoperfusion are discussed within different clinical contexts • The technical limitations of gastric tonometry, including procedural errors and PtCO2 measurement are discussed in relation to the accuracy of tonometric measurements • Tonometric measurement using semi-continuous air tonometry is introduced as a strategy to minimize technical limitations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]