GENERAL PROCEDURES AND TREATMENT MODALITIES

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PROCEDURE GUIDELINES 10-15 CONTINUED flow and alter oxygen concentration. If

Nursing Action
8. Apply the mask to the patient’s face and
adjust the straps so the mask fits
securely.
9. Drain the tubing frequently by emptying
condensate into a separate receptacle,
not into the humidifier. If a heating
element is used, the tubing will have to be
drained more often.
condensate is emptied into the humidifier,
bacteria may be aerosolized into the
lungs.
10. Excessive temperatures can cause airway
burns; patients with elevated temperature
should be humidified with an unheated
device.

10. If a heating element is used, check the

temperature. The humidifier bottle should
be warm, not hot, to touch.

Simple face mask. Oxygen concentration

varies with patient’s tidal volume and
respiratory rate.
FOLLOW-UP PHASE
1. Record Fio2 and immediate patient
response. Note the patient’s tolerance of
treatment. Notify the physician if
intolerance occurs.
2. Assess the patient’s condition and the
functioning of equipment at regular
intervals.
3. If the patient’s condition changes, assess
Sao2 or ABG.
4. Record changes in volume and tenacity of
sputum produced.
Rationale
2. Assess the patient for change in mental
status, diaphoresis, changes in blood
pressure, and increasing heart and
respiratory rates.
3. If the patient has a high VE flow from the
mask may not be sufficient to meet
inspiratory needs without pulling in room
air. Room air will dilute the oxygen
provided and lower the inspired oxygen
concentration, resulting in hypoxemia. A
change in mask or delivery system may
be indicated.
4. Indicates effectiveness of humidification.

9. The tubing must be kept free of

condensate. Condensate allowed to
accumulate in the delivery tube will block