2-3 O2 Therapy

Question 1

Describe a oxygen cylinder

Answer 1

White cylinder with black writing

Question 2

When is oxygen used in clinical practice?

Answer 2

Oxygen can be used to provide a basis for most modern anaesthetic techniques including pre and post-operative management and restore tissue oxygenation in a wide range of conditions such as:

• Cyanosis
• Surgical trauma, chest wounds and rib fractures
• Shock or severe haemorrhage
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Hyperpyrexia
• Major trauma (RTC and GSW)
• In the management of sudden cardiac and respiratory arrest
• Aid in the resuscitation of the critically ill, when the circulation is impaired
• Teat the acute severe headache in adults diagnosed with cluster headache

Question 3

How is O2 administrated?

Answer 3

Medical oxygen is administered by inhalation through the lungs via:

• Simple O2 mask
• Bag-Valve mask
• Nasal cannula
• Non-rebreather mask
• Venturi mask

Question 4

Define hypoxia

Answer 4

Hypoxia is where there is insufficient oxygen in the body tissue

Question 5

What are the causes of hypoxia?

Answer 5

There are a number of causes of hypoxia including:

• Insufficient oxygen in inspired air
• Suffocation by smoke or gas
• Change in atmospheric pressure
• Airway obstruction
• Choking
• Blocked or swollen airway
• Anaphylaxis
• Chest wall injury
• Rib fracture
• Constrictive burns
• Damage to the brain or nerve that control respiration
• Impaired lung function
• Impaired brain function
• Impaired oxygen uptake by the tissues

Question 6

What are the signs and symptoms of hypoxia

Answer 6

In moderate to severe hypoxia there will be:

• Rapid breathing
• Breathing that is distresses or gasping
• Difficulty in speaking
• Cyanosis
• Anxiety/restlessness
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting
• Cessation of breathing if not quickly reversed