Oxygen

Question 1

What is the classification of oxygen?

Answer 1

Element, gas

Question 2

How is oxygen supplied?

Answer 2

In a compressed gas cylinder

Question 3

Actions!

What is the MOA (pharmacodynamics) of oxygen?

Answer 3

• It’s a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas essential to respiration.
• At sea level, oxygen makes up approximately 10% - 16% of venous blood and 17% - 21% of arterial blood.
• Transported from the lungs to the body’s tissues attached to hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
• Inhalation/administration will increase arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) and hemoglobin saturation.
• Pulmonary vasodilator

Question 4

List the indications of oxygen?

Answer 4

• Hypoxia/Hypoxemia (SPO2 <94%)
• Respiratory distress/failure
• Cardiopulmonary failure
• Shock
• Trauma
• Cardiac arrest / ROSC
• Altered LOC

Question 5

What is the dosage for oxygen?

Answer 5

• Nasal Cannula: @ 1-6 L/min (21% - 44% O2 concentration)
• Simple & Pocket Mask: @ 6 – 10 L/min (35% - 60% O2 concentration)
• Partial/ Non-Rebreather (NRB): @ 10 – 12 L/min (60%-100% O2 concentration)
• Bag-Valve Mask (BVM): @15 L/min (95% to 100% O2 concentration)
• Venturi Masks: @ 4 - 12 L/min (24% - 50% O2 concentration)

Note: liter flow is dependent on the Venturi mask used.

Question 6

What is the contraindication for oxygen?

Answer 6

-SPO2 > 94%

None for emergency use

Question 7

What are some of the precautions in the use of oxygen?

Answer 7

-Respiratory: In some cases of COPD, oxygen administration may reduce the patient’s respiratory drive.

Note: This is not a reason to withhold oxygen, but be prepared to assist ventilations.

• Oxygen that is not humidified may dry out or be irritating to mucous membranes.
• Insufficient flow rates delivered via 02 masks, 02 hoods and 02 tents may cause C02 retention.

Question 8

Notes about oxygen, list them off.

Answer 8

-Nasal Cannula (NC) should be set to 15 LPM anytime that a patient requires hyperoxygenation/preoxygenation
during BVM PPV; It is recommended to place NC on and to provide a constant flow of 15 LPM of oxygen during intubation attempts (apneic oxygenation).
-After a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in CPR following cardiac arrest, maintains saturations 94% or higher but below 100% to minimize the risk of oxidative/reperfusion injury. The same goes for ACS/Stroke patients as this can lead to vasoconstriction and ischemia.
-Pulse oximetry may be inaccurate in low cardiac output states with vasoconstriction, or with exposure to carbon monoxide