Oxygen Therapy

DEFINITIONS

Oxygen Therapy - is the administration of oxygen at a concentration of pressure greater than that
found in the environment atmosphere.

Method of oxygen administration:

1. Nasal Cannula is used when the patient requires a low-to-medium concentration of oxygen for
which precise accuracy is not essential. This method is relatively simple and allows the patient to
move about in bed, talk, cough and eat without interruption of oxygen flow.

2. Oxygen Mask is a device used to administer oxygen, humidity, or heated humidity. It is shaped to
fit snugly over the mouth and nose and is secured in place with a strap. The two primary types of
oxygen masks are high and low concentration. A plastic face mask with a reservoir bag and a venture
mask can deliver higher concentrations of oxygen. The simple face mask delivers oxygen
concentrations from
30% to 60%.

PURPOSES
To provide adequate transport of oxygen in the blood while decreasing the work of
breathing and stress on the myocardium.

Indications:
 Patient who is unable to maintain adequate pO2 and O2 saturation levels on room air.
 Patient with myocardial infarction to prevent dysrhythmias, hypoxia.
 To treat harmful and possible lethal complications related to hypoxemia

Contraindications:
 Higher concentration of oxygen is contraindicated to patients with COPD. But if patient is
hypoxic O2 should be delivered Iceep O2S at around 90 - 92%

Equipments/Supplies
1. Disposable gloves
2. Face mask
3. Thermometer
4. Watch with second hand
5. Multiparameter/Pulse Oximeter
6. Oxygen cylinder with complete device
7. Oxygen Administering Devices:
 Nasal Cannula
 Oxygen Mask
 Simple face mask
 face mask with reservoir bag
 venturi mask (in case of COPD patients)
POLICIES
  Doctor’s order should be obtained except in emergency situation.
 Follow Infection Control Policy

PROCEDURES
 Check doctor’s order.
 Assemble equipments.
 Wash hands.
 Assess patient condition, check vital signs and O2 saturation.
 Explain procedure to the patient. Explain also dangers of smoking to patient and visitors.
 Place patient in comfortable position.
 Wear gloves and mask.
 Fill the humidifier with sterile water to the correct level. Check (equipments) for bubbling in
the humidifier. Adjust the flow rate of oxygen as prescribed observe the flow of oxygen and
note water vapour on the mask or feel the oxygen if with nasal cannula before
administration.
 Administer oxygen according to O2 device:
1. Nasal Cannula
a. Attach oxygen tubing of nasal cannula to flow meter and turn it on a prescribed flow rate. Feel
to determine if oxygen is flowing through the tips of the cannula.
b. Place the nasal prongs in patient’s nostrils. Secure the cannula in place by adjusting the tubing
around the patient’s ears and using the slip ring to stabilized it under the patient’s chin.
c. Check the flow rate and placement of nasal cannula every 2 hrs. to ensure that patient
receives proper dose.
d. Assess patient’s nostrils every 8 hrs. if the patient complain of dryness or signs of irritation,
use lubricant to keep mucous membranes moist. Keep humidification jar filled at all times.
2. Oxygen Mask
a. Attach appropriately sized mask to oxygen tubing and turn on flow meter to prescribed flow
rate. For non-rebreather mask fill the reservoir with oxygen first.
b. Place the mask on the patient’s face, fasten the elastic band around the patient’s ears, and
tighten until the mask fits snugly.
c. Ensure for proper flow rate and placement of mask every 2 hrs.
d. Assess patients face and ears for pressure from the mask and use padding as needed.
 Remove gloves and mask. Wash hands.
 Inspect patient for relief of symptoms associated with hypoxia. Monitor vital signs, oxygen
saturation and patient’s condition every 2 hrs.
 Document the following:
1. Vital signs and oxygen saturation before oxygen administration and during monitoring.
2. Method of oxygen delivery.
3. Flow rate.
4. Patient’s response.
5. Assessment of patient’s respiratory and cardiovascular status

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
 Oxygen is delivered to a patient with artificial airway (tracheostomy, endotracheal tube)
with the use of T-tube adapter or by a tracheostomy mask or manual resuscitation bag.
 Use of oxygen face mask is contraindicated to patient with carbon dioxide retention.
 If the patient’s level of consciousness decreases intubation may be necessary.
 Diseases that benefits from oxygen therapy includes chronic obstructive pulmonary
diseases, airway obstruction, pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress, metabolic
disorders, cardiac disorders and shock.