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What could be a reason for an incorrectly high TcOm reading after a stabilization period?
High ambient temperature
Electrical interference
Atmospheric air leakage
Improper calibration
The correct answer is: Atmospheric air leakage
An incorrectly high TcOm reading after a stabilization period can often be attributed to atmospheric air leakage. The transcutaneous oxygen monitor (TcOm) measures the amount of oxygen diffusing through the skin, and if there is a leak in the system, ambient air can infiltrate the measurement area. This infiltration introduces additional oxygen into the locale being assessed, resulting in elevated readings that do not accurately reflect the true transcutaneous oxygen levels. In context, high ambient temperature could potentially affect sensor performance, but it would not directly cause elevated readings due to the fundamental nature of how respiration and diffusion occur. Electrical interference is more related to data corruption rather than skewing actual readings. Similarly, while improper calibration can lead to inaccuracies, it typically would not create an artificially high reading unless there was an error in the calibration settings specifically designed to align with air composition. Atmospheric air leakage is a strong consideration because it introduces an entirely external factor that inflates the reading beyond physiological limits.