Module 9 Study Questions

1. Compare stertor and stridor along with two examples of each.

Stridor is a whistling sound upon inhalation.
Stertor is a loud snoring or snorting sound upon inhalation. Both are caused by
obstruction of the pharynx or larynx. (Bassert. J.M., Thomas, J.A,2014, pg.684)

2. Discuss hypoxia and describe four causes with examples.

Hypoxia is defined as lack of oxygen to the tissues. Hypoxia can result from reduced blood
flow (not enough blood going to tissue) , decreased oxygen-carrying capacity (oxygen
spaces occupied or low blood count reduce amount oxygen can be carried), hypoventilation
(not inhale enough sufficiently), or ventilation/perfusion mismatch (pneumonia).
(Bassert.j.m,Thomas.J.A,2014,p.685)

3. Compare SpO2 and PaO2 including meaning, measurement methods, and

pro/cons.

4. Describe the relationship between SpO2 and PaO2.

5. Describe the clinical presentation of a patient that shows need for oxygen therapy.

Describe how a cat might present differently than a dog.

6. Discuss important safety considerations when handling oxygen tanks.

Never leave an unattended compressed gas cylinder unsupported or lying on its side. Never
attempt to remove the valve or index pins. Do not use oxygen near any source of ignition.
( (p.1092)
7. Compare the four main delivery methods for oxygen delivery including advantages
and disadvantages of each.
Flow by- 25-40 percent oxygen concentration. Pros- limited equipment, easy to use
Cons- requires someone to hold tubing, not useful for emergency mostly
therapeutic use.
Mask- 50-60 percent oxygen concentration. Pros- easy to use, limited equipment,
quickly administer oxygen, keeps patient accessible for examinations and
procedures. Cons- can cause rebreathing co2 if mask is too tight, can be high
stress.

Nasal- pros- good for dogs too big for oxygen cage, keeps patient accessible for
examinations. Cons- not tolerated by all patients, difficult for brachycephalic
patients, panting can reduce effectiveness.
 Oxygen hood- 30-40% o2 concentration. Pros- limited equipment, patient is
accessible for examinations. Cons- humidity,co2 and temp can increase in the
hood. Short term administration.
Oxygen cage- concentration up to 100 percent. Pros- allow patient stabilize with
low stress, highest oxygen concentration Cons- expensive, limited accessibility,
concentration decreases rapidly when door is open, patient is not as accessible.

(Waddell.L,2016)

8. Discuss the creation of an oxygen hood including the importance of an exit

port.
Can create an oxygen hood using Elizabethan collar wrapped in plastic wrap but
with an opening. The importance of this opening is to prevent co2 build up and so
the wrap does not burst when adding oxygen. The humidity and temperature can
increase rapidly if not properly ventilated. (Waddell.L,2016)

9. Describe the placement of a nasal oxygen catheter.

The catheter should be premeasured from the nostril to the medial canthus of the eye. This
will place the tip of the catheter into the nasopharynx. A few drops of a local anesthetic (eg,
topical 2% lidocaine) should be placed in the nostril. The tip of the catheter going into the
nose should be lubricated with lubricating or lidocaine jelly. The tube should be placed
medially and upwards into the nasopharynx. Suture the premeasured area near/ on the alar
fold of the nostril and again on the side of the patients face or over the head.
(Waddell.L,2016)

10. Describe nebulization and coupage along with two indications for treatment.

Waddell.L. July 2016, Oxygen therapy. Published in EMERGENCY MEDICINE AND CRITICAL CARE. JSTOR