Oxygen Therapy

Question 1

Dyspnoea

Answer 1

Difficulty breathing

Question 2

Bradypnoea

Answer 2

Abnormally slow breathing

Question 3

Tachypnoea

Answer 3

Abnormally fast breathing

Question 4

Hypercapnia

Answer 4

Raised C02 levels in the blood

Question 5

Hypocapnia

Answer 5

Decreased C02 levels in the blood

Question 6

Orthopnoea

Answer 6

Ability to breath in upright position only.

Abducted elbows, extended neck

Question 7

Pneumothorax

Answer 7

Air in the pleural space

Question 8

Paradoxical breathing

Answer 8

A sign of marked inspiratory effort. (During inspiration chest moves out by abdomen moves in)

Question 9

Pulmonary contusions

Answer 9

Bleeding into the alveoli (bruising)

Question 10

Hypoxia

Answer 10

Low levels of 02 in blood/tissues

Question 11

Pyothorax

Answer 11

Pus/bacterial infection in pleural space

Question 12

Haemothorax

Answer 12

Blood in the pleural space

Question 13

Stridor/stertor

Answer 13

Noisy loud breathing

Question 14

Cyanosis

Answer 14

Blue mucous membranes due to lack of 02

Question 15

What should be monitored in the Dyspnoeic patient?

Answer 15

• Changes in breathing pattern/rate - abdominal effort, paradoxical breathing, inspiration/expiration ratio alteration
• Changes in posture - abduction of elbows, extension of neck, flared nostrils, mouth breathing, sternal recumbency
• Physical examination - MM colour and CRT, auscultation of chest

Question 16

What causes dyspneoa?

Answer 16

• Partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway
• Small bronchi in the lower airway
• Lung parenchymal disease - interference with gaseous exchange in alveoli
• pleural space disease

Question 17

How much oxygen does room air have?

Answer 17

Approximately 21%

Question 18

What are the best ways to provide short term oxygen therapy?

Answer 18

Mask - easy - best for collapsed patients
Flow-by - less stress but lower 02 concentration
Transtracheal - for upper airway obstruction

Question 19

What are the best options for long term oxygen supplementation?

Answer 19

Nasal catheters 
Nasal prongs 
Buster collar and cling film (Crowe collar)
Oxygen cage 
Incubator 
Endotracheal intubation

Question 20

What can cause oxygen toxicity?

Answer 20

> 60% inspired O2 for more than 24-72 hours

Question 21

What is oxygen toxicity?

Answer 21

Too much oxygen inspiration causing damage to the alveoli and worsening the patients condition