Oxygen

Question 1

Drug code for Oxygen?

Answer 1

OXG

Question 2

Presentation of Oxygen?

Answer 2

Oxygen (O2) is a gas provided in compressed form in a cylinder
It is also available in liquid form, in a system adapted for ambulance use

Question 3

How is Oxygen administered to patients?

Answer 3

It is fed via a regulator and flow meter to the patient by means of plastic tubing and an oxygen mask/nasal cannulate

Question 4

Indications for use of Oxygen in children?

Answer 4

Significant illness and/or injury

Question 5

Indications for use of Oxygen in adults?

Answer 5

Critical illness requiring high levels of supplemental oxygen
Serious illness requiring moderate levels of supplemental oxygen if the patient has Hypoxaemia
COPD and other conditions requiring controlled or low-dose oxygen therapy
Conditions for which patients should be monitored closely but oxygen therapy is not required unless the patient is hypoxaemic

Question 6

Actions of Oxygen?

Answer 6

Essential for cell metabolism
Adequate tissue oxygenation is essential for normal physiological function
Oxygen assists in reversing hypoxia, by raising the concentration of inspired oxygen
Hypoxia will, however, only improve if respiratory effort or ventilation and tissue perfusion are adequate
If ventilation is inadequate or absent, assisting or completely taking over the patients ventilation is essential to reverse hypoxia

Question 7

Contra-indications of Oxygen?

Answer 7

Explosive environments

Question 8

Cautions for use of Oxygen?

Answer 8

Oxygen increases the fire hazard at the scene of an incident
Defibrillation - ensure pads firmly applied to reduce spark hazard

Question 9

Side effects of Oxygen?

Answer 9

Non-humidified O2 is drying and irritating to mucous membranes over a period of time
In patients with COPD there is a risk that even moderately high doses of inspired oxygen can produce increased carbon dioxide levels which may cause respiratory depression and this may lead to respiratory arrest