Module 2: Oxygen Therapy Flashcards
NAII Regulations for Oxygen
NAII cannot initiation administration or change flow rates on patients; disconnecting and reconnecting oxygen sources at the same liter flow is not considered initiating administration
3 waste products of human body
Urine, bowel waste, carbon dioxide (CO2)
Hypoxemia
Condition in which there is insufficient oxygen in the blood
High risk conditions for hypoxemia
Immobility, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, postoperative patients, sleep apnea, decreased level of consciousness, neuromuscular diseases, morbid obesity, Kyphoscoliosis (curvature of the spine)
% of oxygen in atmosphere
21%
Red blood cells
Give blood its red color; carry oxygen to cells and carry away CO2.
Signs and symptoms of decreased oxygenation
Unusual skin color (dusky, pale, blue, or gray), unusual color of the lips, mucous membranes, nail beds, lining or roof of mouth, cool/clammy skin, irregular breathing, gasping for breath, changed mental status
Oxygen as a prescription item
Requires a physician’s order to administer; order will specify how much oxygen to use and the method for delivery; do not start, top or change the flow rate of oxygen unless trained in this procedure
Oxygen color-coding
Green label in the United States
Long-term care delivery of oxygen
Use cylinders and concentrators
Oxygen flow meter
Regulates the flow of oxygen; come in different sizes and shapes but work the same way; various cylinders use different gauges. flow rate is increased by turning the knob on the flow meter clockwise
Oxygen concentrators
Convert room air into oxygen; typically used in long-term care facilities. A concentrator is ineffective for liter flows over 5
Pressure gauge
connected to the flow meter on an oxygen cylinder; pressure gauge shows how much oxygen is in the cylinder. 02 is measured in pounds. most cylinders considered empty when pressure reaches 500 pounds.
Humidifier
attached to the oxygen administration equipment if the patient’s liter flow exceeds 5 liters. Controversial use. Not necessary in liter flows below 5 liters. humidifier moistens oxygen for comfort and prevents drying of the mucous membranes. Must use sterile distilled water.
2 types of humidifiers
1) prefilled and 2) refillable
Prefilled humidifier
Commonly used in acute care hospitals
Refillable humidifier
Washed with soap and water every 24 hours; sterilized and refilled with sterilized distilled water
Oxygen administration devices
Cannulas and masks
Nasal cannula
Small tube with two prongs that fit into the patient’s nostrils
Simple mask
fits over the patient’s nose, mouth and chin; available in adult and pediatric sizes. Necessary when high liter flows of oxygen are ordered. May also be used for mouth-breathers. A mask should not be used with liter flows under 5 because it may cause rebreathing of patient’s exhaled CO2.
Nonbreathing mask
Mask is used for patients with severe hypoxemia. Has one-way plastic flaps on the sides. Exhalations escape through the flaps but outside air cannot enter. Reservoir bag is attached to bottom of mask; helps increase oxygen delivery. Should be inflated at all times.
Air-entrapment mask
Also called Venturi mask, venti maskA and high airflow with oxygen enrichment (HAFOE) mask; has large piece of plastic tube at the bottom. Mask mixes oxygen with room air to obtain percentage of oxygen ordered by doctor.
Safety precautions
Keep sources of ignition out of the room, (matches, lighters, cigarettes and some electrical appliances); avoid using wool and synthetic blankets; avoid using petroleum based lubricants
Capillary refill
Identifies how well the cells are using oxygen
