Oxygen Therapy Flashcards
How long can a person last without O2?
4-6 minutes before irreversible brain damage
Without O2 what happens to cellular metabolism?
Cellular metabolism ceases and eventually death will occur
What is the function of the respiratory system?
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the external environment and circulatory system of the body
What are the major features of the lungs?
Bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli
What are the alveoli?
Microscopic blood vessel-lined sacs in which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged
What is the pleural cavity composed of?
The layers of the membrane lining the lung and chest cavity
What is the radiographers role in O2 therapy?
Radiographer must be ready to respond to potentially dangerous changed in the patient’s respiratory condition
What should the radiographer reposition O2 equipment?
When the tubes could potentially cause artifacts on the image or become superimposed over anatomy
How should a radiographer ensure O2 therapy doesn’t become a source of infection?
Making sure the equipment is single use only and discarded after use
Under what conditions should O2 equipment be completely removed from patients?
Under NO circumstance should it be completely removed by radiographers
What are the pulmonary functions?
The lungs ability to exchange O2 and carbon dioxide efficiently
How is oxygen transported to the body tissues?
Through arterial blood
What are Arterial Blood Gases (ABG’s)?
Lab values that measure the arterial blood concentration of oxygen, Co2, pH and other gases
What condition is demonstrated by inadequate levels of arterial blood gases?
Hypoxemia
What is hypoxemia?
A condition of insufficiency of oxygenation of the blood
What is hypoxia?
Deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues
What are signs of Hypoxia?
- Rapid pulse
- Rapid and shallow respirations
- Dyspnea
- Cyanosis
What tissues are the most sensitive to hypoxia?
Brain, Heart, Lungs and Liver
What is the average rate of respiration for adults?
12-20 breaths/min
What is the average rate of respiration for children?
20-30 breaths/min
What is the average rate of respiration for infants?
30-60 breaths/min
What are decreased respirations classified by?
Less than 10 breaths/minute
What can decreased respirations cause?
Cyanosis, confusion, apprehension, restlessness and loss of consciousness
What is the goal of O2 therapy?
To maintain adequate tissue oxygenation while minimizing cardiopulmonary work
What are the 4 indications for O2 therapy?
- Correct hypoxemia
- Reduce respiratory distress
- Minimize cardiopulmonary workload
- Compensate for hypoxia
How can oxygen be supplied to a patient?
Via O2 tanks or wall delivery systems
Who’s consent should you receive to temporarily remove oxygen equipment?
Consent and supervision should come from a MD or attending nurse
Why is oxygen considered a drug (medication)?
Because it must be prescribed by a MD
How is oxygen prescribed?
Prescribed as either a percentage or a fraction
- 26% or .26
What will happen if oxygen is given at 100%
It will cause damage to the lungs
What is the saturation of oxygen hemoglobin called?
SAO2
How is the flow rate of oxygen measured?
In LPM (liters per minute)
What is the standard oxygen flow rate?
3-5 LPM
What happens to O2 when oxygen flow rates are high?
They’re humidified to prevent excess drying of the mucosa
When positioning a patient how should tubes be taken care of?
Avoid bending or pinching the tubes to reduce oxygen flow
What two things should never be done around oxygen therapy?
- No smoking
- Be careful not to produce sparks with x-ray equipment
Is oxygen flammable or combustible?
Combustible
What percentage of atmospheric gas does oxygen make up?
21%
How can oxygen be described physically?
Colorless, tasteless and odorless gas
What are the two regulator valves that are part of portable O2 tanks?
- Valve that indicates how much O2 is left in the tank
- Valve that displays the rate of flow
How do physicians order O2?
- Specified liter flow per minute
- Concentrations of oxygen (%)
- Method of delivery (facemask)
What is a pulse oximeter?
A noninvasive photoelectric device that measures oxygen saturation of the hemoglobin in arterial blood
Where are pulse oximeter attached?
The finger or earlobe
What are the normal levels of oxygen saturation (SAO2)?
Between 95-100%
What SAO2 value is considered life threatening?
Levels less than 70%
What can the pulse oximeter detect before symptoms arise?
Hypoxia
What is oxygen transported by in the blood?
Hemoglobin
What is hemoglobin a major component of?
Red blood cells
How is oxygen delivery method determined for patients?
Depended on the patient’s needs