Chapter 9 - Oxygen

Question 1

Presentation?

Answer 1

Gas provided in compressed cylinder.

Question 2

Indications?

Answer 2

Children: significant illness and/or injury.
Adults:
Critical illness requiring high levels of O2.
Serious illness requiring moderate levels of O2 if patient is hypoxic.
COPD and other conditions requiring controlled low dose O2 therapy.
Conditions for which patients should be monitored closely, but O2 not required, unless pt is hypoxic.

Question 3

Actions?

Answer 3

Cell metabolism.
Adequate oxygenation is essential for physiological function.
Reverses hypoxia.

Question 4

Contraindications?

Answer 4

Explosive environments.

Question 5

Cautions?

Answer 5

O2 increases fire hazards at the scene of an incident.

Defibrillation - ensure pads are firmly applied.

Question 6

Side effects?

Answer 6

Drying and irritating to mucous membranes over a period of time.

Question 7

Administration?

Answer 7

Bag valve mask (BVM).
Non-rebreathe mask.
Nasal cannulae.
Simple face mask.
28% Venturi mask.

Question 8

Target Sats? (Healthy and COPD pts)

Answer 8

Average adult: 94 - 98%

COPD pt: 88 - 92%

Question 9

Dosage?

Answer 9

Critical illness: max dose until vital signs normal.
Major trauma / illness: 15L per min.
Serious illness: 5-15L per min, depending on administration route and SPO2.
COPD: 4L per min through 28% Venturi.