Oxygen Therapy

Question 1

Indications for Administering Oxygen

Answer 1

• Low O2 levels/Hypoxia (<92%) *caused by hypoxemia
• Cardiac/respiratory arrest
• Low cardiac output
• Low metabolic acidosis ↑↓

Question 2

Safe Use of Oxygen and Oxygen Tanks

Answer 2

• NO: 
-smoking
-open flames
-petroleum, acetone, aerosol
-frayed wires
• Secure tanks:
-in holders/carriers
-rigid stands
• Use 3-pronged plugs

Question 3

Why and How Oxygen is Humidified/Nebulized

Answer 3

Why:
• Oxygen is drying to the respiratory tract mucosa

How:
• Usually done with bubble humidifier; bubbles through water pick up some as vapor

Nebulizer:
• Used for patients with artificial airways
• Fine, visible mist

Question 4

Equipment Used for Low/High Oxygen Concentration

Answer 4

Low:
• Nasal Cannula, Simple/Face Mask, Non-Rebreather

High:
• Venturi

Question 5

FiO2 (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen)

Answer 5

• % of oxygen in the air the patient is inhaling

Question 6

Flow Meter

Answer 6

• Adjusts liter flow
• Green oxygen outlet (yellow or white=air)
• 0.5 L - 15 L

Question 7

Nasal Cannula: Advantages, Disadvantages, Interventions

Answer 7

Fi02= 24-44%
1-6 L/min

Advantages:
+ allows eating, talking, suctioning
+ inexpensive/easy to use

Disadvantages

• Nasal drying
• Cannot deliver high concentrations

Interventions
• Make sure prongs are in nasal nares/attached to flow meter
• 4 L/min or higher calls for humidification

Question 8

Simple/Face Mask: Advantages, Disadvantages, Interventions

Answer 8

FiO2= 35-60%
6-10 L/min

Advantages:
+ Quick and easy to set up
+ At head of bed in emergency areas

Disadvantages:

• Skin breakdown from moisture
• Cannot eat/drink/talk

Interventions:
• Check mask frequently for position/condensation
• Slow/deep breaths= more oxygen and not room air

Question 9

Non-Rebreather: Advantages, Disadvantages, Interventions

Answer 9

Fi02= 60-100%
6-15 L/min

Advantages:
+ Delivers highest possible concentration of oxygen

Disadvantages:

• Expensive
• Suffocated feeling

Interventions:
• Adjust flow so bag does not collapse
• Ensure tight fit so patient gets more oxygen and not room air

Question 10

Manual Resuscitator Bags

Answer 10

• Attaches to face for respiratory resuscitation

* Also used to hyperventilate lungs in patients with a tracheostomy who need suctioning

Question 11

Venturi Mask: Advantages, Disadvantages, Interventions

Answer 11

FiO2= 24-55%
4-10 L/min

Advantages:
+ Precise Fi02/oxygen delivery (useful in pt.’s with chronic lung disease)

Disadvantages:
- FiO2 only available per adapters

Interventions:
• Ensure flow rate matches adaptor to achieve desired FiO2