Inspiratory Flow Flashcards
Why is inspiratory flow so important?
- Venturi system has a minimum flow recommended for delivery of the desired % of oxygen
- Flow worked out on ‘normal’ people rather than exacerbating patients
What are some examples of questions do you think you could ask your patient to know if they were getting enough flow?
- Do you think you are getting enough ?
- Can you feel the oxygen?
- Do you feel ‘hungry’ for air?
What is your current inspiratory flow?
25-30 L/min
(around 2.5 L/breath)
How does oxygen % relate to speed of gas arrival in the mouth?
As the oxygen % increases the speed the gas arrives at the mouth decreases
(The hole for the venturi gets bigger as you increase the amount of oxygen you want to give)
What is the total gas delivered at low flow L/min…
Oxygen = 24%
Low flow setting = 2 L/min
52 L/min
What is the total gas delivered at low flow L/min…
Oxygen = 28%
Low flow setting = 4 L/min
45 L/min
What is the total gas delivered at low flow L/min…
Oxygen = 31%
Low flow setting = 6 L/min
47 L/min
What is the total gas delivered at low flow L/min…
Oxygen = 35%
Low flow setting = 8 L/min
45 L/min
What is the total gas delivered at low flow L/min…
Oxygen = 40%
Low flow setting = 8 L/min
33 L/min
What is the total gas delivered at low flow L/min…
Oxygen = 60%
Low flow setting =12 L/min
24 L/min
What happens when a patient is ‘sucking’ air through the holes in the O2 mask?
‘Dilutes’ the oxygen amount
How do you get around a patient ‘sucking’ air through the holes in the O2 mask?
- Turn up flow of O2 (high flow setting)
- Tighter mask
What questions do you think you could ask your patient to know if they were getting enough flow?
- Do you think you are getting enough ?
- Can you feel the oxygen?
- Do you feel ‘hungry’ for air?
When should O2 flow increase be considered?
- If >25/min then consider increasing the flow
- If flow is the issue then the RR should decrease as you increase the flow
