Oxygen Therapy

Question 1

Give 4 situations in which oxygen therapy should not be used routinely if there is no evidence of hypoxia

Answer 1

Myocardial infarction + ACS
Stroke
Obstetric emergencies
Anxiety-related hyperventilation

Question 2

What oxygen therapy should be given to patients who are critically ill?

Answer 2

15L/min via reservoir mask

Question 3

What are the oxygen saturation targets?

Answer 3

Acutely ill: 94-98%
Patients at risk of hypercapnia: 88-92%
O2 should be reduced in stable patients with satisfactory O2 sats

Question 4

How should COPD patients be managed?

Answer 4

28% Venturi mask at 4L/min + aim for 88-92% if RFs for hypercapnia but no prior hx of respiratory acidosis
Adjust target range to 94-98% if pCO2 is normal