Guide to Oxygen Delivery System

By Brenda Swant BSN, RN

Low-Flow Oxygen Systems: The FiO2 in low flow systems (items 1-4) will vary
depending on the oxygen delivery device and the patient’s respiratory/oxygenation needs.

Important Respiratory Numbers

Phone Pager

Adult 6-6322 1-7815

Pediatric 6-6320 1-7816

Device/Where Obtained Liter O2 Advantages Disadvantages Administration

Flow Concentration Guidelines
(LPM (FiO2)
1. Nasal Cannula 1-6 22-45% -effective for low -will not deliver Maximum flow is 5-6 LPM.
1=25% oxygen oxygen Change to another O2 device if
2=29% concentrations. concentrations higher patient requires >5 LPM.
3=33% than 40%
4=37% -humidify for liter flows >4
5=41% -dry mucous LPM
6=45% membranes
-use on patient’s with adequate
tidal volume and normal vital
signs
2. Simple Mask 6-10 25-60% -delivers oxygen -tight seal is required A minimum of 6 LPM is
concentrations up to for higher oxygen required for all masks to flush
60% concentrations: expired carbon dioxide and
hot and confining prevent rebreathing of CO2.
impractical long-term
Do not use humid ifier and fit
firmly.

-use for severe asthma,

3. Partial non-rebreather
pneumonia, trauma, or severe
sepsis
8-12 35-60% -flaps stay open -requires a tight seal Reservoir bag must remain
inflated at all times
-valves allow -impractical for long-
expired CO2 to term Do not use humidifier bottle
leave the mask
-if bag collapses, increase flow
rate until inflated

-ensure free expansion, no

twisting or kinks

4. Non-Rebreather 10-15 80-95% -delivers the highest -requires a tight seal Reservoir bag must remain
possible oxygen inflated at all times
concentration -impractical for long-
without intubation term Do not use humidifier bottle

-short-term therapy -if bag collapses, increase flow

rate until inflated

-ensure free expansion, no

twisting or kinks
 High-Flow Oxygen Systems: These devices (items 5-6) meet or exceed the patient’s
minute volume or inspiratory demands. They deliver fixed concentration of oxygen,
regardless of the inspiratory flow or breathing pattern.

Table 1 Guide to colors of Venturi valves

Venturi valve Flow rate Oxygen delivered
color (l/min) (%)
Blue 2 24
White 4 28
Yellow 6 35
Red 8 40
Green 12 60
Treatment with oxygen 60% or/>101 rebreathing 90-94

Device/Where Obtained Liter O2 Advantages Disadvantages Administration

Flow Concentrati Guidelines
(LPM) on
(FiO2)
5. Venturi Mask Varies 24-60% -delivers highly -requires a tight seal Accurate O2 concentration
Mixes a accurate oxygen depends on oxygen liter flow
specific FiO2 is concentration for -intake ports can be and color of attached
volume determined the same amount of blocked venture device.
of air and by the air always enters.
oxygen color of the Always use the clear plastic
venture collar, to guarantee the
device as oxygen concentration
stated delivered.
above
Do not use a humidifier
bottle

Use on COPD patients

6. Aerosol/Large volume Nebulizers 10-15 28-100% -administers large -condensation may -Observe for signs of
volumes of mist collect in the trach. overhydration, pulmonary
Collar or tubing. edema, crackles.
-indicated for thick
secretions -connected to a wide
corrugated tubing that receives
oxygen from a jet nebulizer.

Trach