Oxygen Therapy

Question 1

General points

Answer 1

Incubate if GCS = 8
Aim for sats of 94-98% in all patients (88-92 if COPD)
Do ABG on any patient with sats below 92
Humidified oxygen helps prevent mucosal drying/ aids secretions

Question 2

CO2 Retainers

Answer 2

CO2 retainers (COPD) are desensitised to hypercapnia and so hypoxia stimulates respiratory drive

Start on 24-28% oxygen, but increase if respiratory distress (hypoxia kills faster than hypercapnia)

If can’t achieve oxygen of 88-92 without depressing resp drive and causing hypercapnic acidosis, patient needs BiPAP