Week 1: Oxygen

Question 1

Three primary alterations in respiratory function

Answer 1

Hypoventilation: decreased respiratory functions (high carbon dioxide, low oxygen)
Hyperventilation: increased respiratory function
Hypoxia: inadequate resp and oxygenation of tissues

Question 2

How does nurse assess patient oxygenation? These levels are measured based on the saturation of what?

Answer 2

Assess SpO2 using pulse oximetry, measured based on the saturation of haemoglobin.

Question 3

What are some common diagnostic tests used to assess oxygenation?

Answer 3

• Pulse oximetry
• Arterial blood gas test, sampling of blood and measuring the O2 and CO2 in your body

Question 4

Dyspnea

Answer 4

Shortness of breath

Question 5

Orthopnea

Answer 5

In recumbent position, SOB is felt

Question 6

Hemoptysis

Answer 6

Possible hemorrhage where blood is coughed up from lungs/ bronchus

Question 7

Hypoxia vs. hypoxemia

Answer 7

hypoxia: low O2 concentration in tissues
hypoxemia: low O2 concentration in the blood

Question 8

Early SYMPTOMS of hypoxia/ acute hypoxia?

Answer 8

Headache, confusion, restlessness, dizziness

Question 9

Early SIGNS of hypoxia/ acute hypoxia?

Answer 9

Tachychardia, tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis

Question 10

Describe different ways oxygen can be delivered to a patient

Answer 10

Nasal cannula, simple face mask, partial non-rebreather, non-rebreather, venturi mask, nebulizer, face tent, tracheostomy mask

Question 11

Describe the % increase in O2 saturation, letres/ min, advantages and disadvantages of a nasal cannula and if it is short term or long term.

Answer 11

%: 24-44
L/min: 1-6L
Advantages: easy to eat, sleep, drink, move, and light load.
Disadvantages: dry nose, dry throat, skin breakdown close to ears.
Can be both short term and long term

Question 12

Describe the % increase in O2 saturation, letres/ min, advantages and disadvantages of a simple face mask and if it is short term or long term.

Answer 12

%: 40-60
L/min: 5-10L
Advantages: provides high oxygen without being too invasive.
Disadvantages: claustrophobia, skin breakdown, drying of facial skin
Is only for short term.

Question 13

Describe the % increase in O2 saturation, letres/ min, advantages and disadvantages of a partial rebreather device and if it is short term or long term.

Answer 13

%: 40-70
L/min: 10-12
Advantages: higher O2, short term, high level
Disadvanatges: no 1 way valve, expired air mix with inhaled air, mask fits tightly
Short term

Question 14

Describe the % increase in O2 saturation, letres/ min, advantages and disadvantages of a non rebreather mask and if it is short term or long term.

Answer 14

%: 80+
L/min: 10-15
Advantages: prevents expired air from flowing back into the bag
Disadvantages: Tight, invasisve
Short term

Question 15

Describe the % increase in O2 saturation, letres/ min, advantages and disadvantages of a venturi mask and if it is short term or long term.

Answer 15

%: 24-60
L/min: 4-12
Advantages: more satisfactory for patients with COPD, more preciose in the amount
Disadvantage: Suffocation, invasive
Short term

Question 16

Describe the % increase in O2 saturation, letres/ min, advantages and disadvantages of a nebulizer and if it is short term or long term.

Answer 16

L/min: 6L/min
Advantages: helps with humidification, more effective than oral medication as medication can be delivered directly into the lungs
Disadvantages: more expensive, take longer, etc
Short term

Question 17

Describe the % increase in O2 saturation, letres/ min, advantages and disadvantages of a face tent and if it is short term or long term.

Answer 17

%: 30-50
L/min: 4-8
Advantages: Good for clustrophobic patients, patients who have had plastic surgeries (less invasive)
Disadvantages: Difficult to achieve high levels of oxygenation
Short term

Question 18

Low flow masks

Answer 18

nasal cannula, partial rebreather, face tent, nebulizer

Question 19

High flow masks

Answer 19

non-rebreather, venturi