Oxygen

Question 1

Is oxygen considered to be a drug?

Answer 1

• yes

- must be prescribed

Question 2

What is the normal O2 concentration in the air we breathe?

Answer 2

• 21%

Question 3

When would you prescribe O2 to a patient with respiratory symptoms?

Answer 3

• type 1 and 2 respiratory failure

- O2 is <7.8 kPA or <58mmHg

Question 4

When giving a patient with type 1 respiratory failure, what is the target for SaO2?

Answer 4

• 94-98%

Question 5

When giving a patient with type 2 respiratory failure, what is the target for SaO2?

Answer 5

• 88-92%

Question 6

In a patient who is suspected to have type 2 respiratory failure (T2RF), why is it important to ensure they are given controlled O2?

Answer 6

• cause iatrogenic T2RF
• CO2 retention
• death

Question 7

If a patient is breathless, but not in type 1 or 2 respiratory failure, or receiving palliative care, would you provide O2 therapy?

Answer 7

• no

Question 8

What are the 3 basic masks that patients with type 1 respiratory failure, who do not need controlled oxygen be given?

Answer 8

• standard face mask
• re-breathe mask
• nasal cannula

Question 9

In a patient who is suspected to have type 2 respiratory failure (T2RF), what type of mask is used to give controlled O2?

Answer 9

• venturi mask