Oxygen

Question 1

Oxygen: Introduction

Answer 1

Oxygen is a treatment for hypoxaemia and has not been shown to have any effect on breathlessness in non-hypoxemic patients.

Question 2

Oxygen: Indication

Answer 2

Adult: 94-98% (88%-92% for copd)

Paed: All paediatric patients with significant illness or injury should receive oxygen. Newborn resuscitation should ideally be commenced with room air for the first couple of breaths.

Question 3

Oxygen: Contraindications

Answer 3

Explosive or flammable environments

Normoxia

Question 4

Oxygen: Considerations

Answer 4

Patients with acute episodes of COPD are at risk of developing CO2 retention if they are given excessive supplemental oxygen. This can cause acidosis and subsequent organ dysfunction.

High oxygen concentrations can lead to increased production of reactive free radicals resulting in cellular damage. This may be responsible for the detrimental effects observed with the use of high flow oxygen in myocardial infarction and stroke.