Oxygen therapy

Question 1

What is the typical oxygen saturation range?

Answer 1

94-98%

May be lower when at risk of type 2 respiratory failure

Question 2

Nasal cannulae flow

Answer 2

1-4 L/M

Question 3

Simple face mask

Answer 3

Device which covers mouth and has exhalation ports in both sides
5-10 L/M
Delivers O2 of 35-60% concentration
Can’t be humidified.
Flow rate less than patient’s inspiratory flow

Question 4

Fixed performance systems

Answer 4

Deliver relatively high gas flows, delivering FiO2.

Question 5

Venturi mask

Answer 5

Similar to simple face mask but has larger exhalation ports
Deliver oxygen concentrations of 24-40% or 60%
Used with hypoxic drive to breathe

Question 6

When should humidification be used?

Answer 6

If oxygen therapy is required at higher concentrations for prolonged periods
Patients reporting discomfort due to upper airway dryness
Patients with tracheostomy or previous laryngectomy requiring oxygen in acute setting
Patients with thick secretions

Question 7

What is and when to use continuous oxygen therapy

Answer 7

Oxygen therapy prescribed for long term use on a daily basis for around 15 hours per day
Severe, chronic hypoxaemia

Question 8

Prescription of continuous oxygen therapy

Answer 8

Low flows

Question 9

Rebreathing bag use

Answer 9

Short-term

Emergency

Question 10

Fixed concentration cold humidified system use

Answer 10

patients with thick secretions

Question 11

High flow generators use

Answer 11

patient’s with oxygen requirement of more than 40%
This requires heated humidification
Delivers flow of around 140 L/M