Oxygen

Question 1

Oxygen
Type

Answer 1

A naturally occurring colourless and odourless gas

Question 2

Oxygen
Presentation

Answer 2

Compressed gas in all white cylinders of various sizes, to be fitted with an appropriate pressure-reducing device

Question 3

Oxygen
Action

Answer 3

Essential element of aerobic metabolic needs and sustaining life.
Oxygen administration improves, or prevents a reduction in the oxygen content of blood leaving the lungs.

Question 4

Oxygen
Uses

Answer 4

A wide range of situations, for the treatment or prevention of hypoxaemia

Question 5

Oxygen
Adverse Effect

Answer 5

1. Hypoventilation in some COPD patients with CO2 retention (titrate oxygen to maintain SpO2 88-92%)
2. Increased risk of fire/explosion - oxygen strongly supports combustion.
3. Mucosal dryness and irritation

Question 6

Oxygen
Contraindications

Answer 6

Known paraquat poisoning with SpO2 >88%
History of bleomycin therapy with SpO2 >88%

Question 7

Oxygen
Precautions

Answer 7

Neonates (especially pre-term infants) are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of oxygen. When absolutely required, the lowest effective concentration, for the shortest possible time, should be used to achieve adequate oxygenation.

Question 8

Oxygen
Doses

Answer 8

Adult and Paediatric
With the exception of conditions listed below, oxygen should generally be titrated to maintain SpO2 >94%.

Conditions with specific oxygen requirement:
Conditions requiring 100% oxygen delivery (NRBM, BVM)
- obstetric emergencies
- carbon monoxide poisoning
- Unrelieved upper airway obstruction
- diving emergencies
COPD patients with possible CO2 retention - titrate oxygen to maintain 88-92%
RSI - aim for highest SpO2 possible - 15l/min via NP required during procedure.