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Lungs
The lungs take in oxygen. Your body's cells need oxygen
to live and carry out their normal functions. The lungs also
get rid of carbon dioxide, a waste product of the cells.
The lungs are a pair of cone-shaped organs made up of
spongy, pinkish-gray tissue. They take up most of the
space in the chest (thorax).
The lungs are surrounded by a membrane (pleura).
The lungs are separated from each other by the
mediastinum, an area that contains the:
Heart and its large vessels
Trachea
Esophagus
Thymus gland
Lymph nodes
The right lung has 3 sections, called lobes. The left lung
A sensor that measures SpO2 is placed on the finger,
has 2 lobes. When you breathe in:
Air enters your body through your nose or mouth. toe, ear or forehead
Air then travels down the throat through the larynx Accurate reading is obtained from well perfused areas
and trachea. Pulse oximetry values are used to monitor a patient’s
Air goes into the lungs through tubes called main- response to treatment (ventilator changes, weaning from
stem bronchi. mechanical ventilator,suctioning)
One main-stem bronchus leads to the right lung and However, it only measures oxygenation, changes in
one to the left lung: ventilation cannot be assessed with pulse oximetry
In the lungs, the main-stem bronchi divide into smaller (carbon dioxide retention)
bronchi.
The smaller bronchi divide into even smaller tubes INVASIVE ASSESSMENT
(bronchioles).
Bronchioles end in tiny air sacs (alveoli) where the 1. ABG (ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS)
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. The ability to interpret ABG results is an essential critical
You then breathe out carbon dioxide. care skill.
ABG) test measures the acidity (pH) and the levels of
GAS EXCHANGE. The process of gas exchange consists oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery.
of four steps: This test is used to find out how well your lungs are able
1. VENTILATION-movement of gases in and out the to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon
alveoli dioxide from the blood.
2. DIFFUSION AT PULMONARY CAPILLARIES- ABG results reflect oxygenation adequacy of gas
diffusion of O2 and CO2 at the pulmonary capillary exchange in the lungs and acid –base status.
level Blood for ABG analysis in obtained from either a direct
3. PERFUSION (Transportation)-the oxygenated blood arterial puncture (radial, brachial or femoral) or an arterial
is perfused or transported to the tissues line
4. DIFFUSION TO THE CELLS
The ABG values that reflect oxygenation include the
PaO2, and the arterial oxygen saturation of the
ASSESSMENT hemoglobin (SaO2)
Health history-tobacco use, occupational history, history PaO2 is the partial pressure of oxygen dissolved in
of shortness of breath, allergies, date of last x-ray, use of arterial blood. The normal PaO2 is 80 to 100 mmHg at
inhalants like bronchodilators and steroids sea level.
Physical examination-IPPA SaO2 refers to the amount of oxygen bound to
Breath sounds-adventitious breath sounds or abnormal hemoglobin. The normal saturation of hemoglobin ranges
lung sounds like crackles, wheezing and pleural friction from 93% to 99%
rubs Decreased oxygenation of arterial blood
(PaO2<80mmHg) is referred to as hypoxemia
Health history-history of smoking, how many packs per
It is different from hypoxia which is a decrease in oxygen
day, how many years; occupational history like exposure
at the tissue level
to coal mining, asbestos or lead; hx of sputum production,
shortness of breath, weight loss, anorexia, or chest pain
Why Is an Arterial Blood Gas Test Done?
Your doctor may ask for an arterial blood gas test to:
NONINVASIVE ASSESSMENT OF OXYGENATION
Check for severe breathing and lung problems such
Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive
(oxygen saturation) of the blood. It is an easy, painless pulmonary disease (COPD)
measure of how well oxygen is being sent to parts of your body
Check how treatments for your lung problems are working
furthest from your heart, such as the arms and legs.
Check whether you need extra oxygen or other help with
It uses a light-emitting diodes to measure pulsatile flow
breathing
and light absorption of the hemoglobin
Check your acid-base balance. You can have too much
acid in your body from kidney failure, a severe infection,
specific toxic ingestions, complications of diabetes (DKA),
or under-treated sleep apnea.
Respiratory Alkalosis- Your doctor or another health care worker will use a small
condition marked by a low level needle to take some of your blood, usually from your
of carbon dioxide in the blood wrist. Sometimes they take it from an artery in your groin
due to breathing excessively or on the inside of your arm above your elbow.
Respiratory acidosis-condition Before the arterial blood gas test, they may apply
that occurs when the lungs cannot remove all of the pressure to the arteries in your wrist for several seconds.
carbon dioxide the body produces; this causes body fluids, The procedure, called the modified Allen test, checks that
especially the blood to become too acidic (asthma, COPD, blood flow to your hand is normal.
sleep apnea, airway edema) lying on the table beneath the scanner arm. You do not need
Metabolic alkalosis-defined as elevation of the body’s pH to fast, eat a special diet, or take any medications before
above 7.45; involves a primary increase in sodium the test.
bicarbonate concentration due to loss of H+ or hydrogen
ions from the body or gain of HCO What does high wedge pressure mean?
Metabolic acidosis-condition wherein there is so much Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP or PAWP):
acids in the body fluids (dehydration, liver failure, low PCWP pressures are used to approximate LVEDP (left
blood sugar) ventricular end diastolic pressure).
High PCWP may indicate left ventricle failure, mitral valve
pathology, cardiac insufficiency, cardiac compression post
2. PULMONARY WEDGE PRESSURE hemorrhage.
The pulmonary wedge pressure or PWP, or cross-sectional
pressure (also called the pulmonary arterial wedge pressure or
PAWP, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure or PCWP, or 3. PLEURAL FLUID ANALYSIS
pulmonary artery occlusion pressure or PAOP), is the pressure - examines fluid collected in pleural space
measured by wedging a pulmonary catheter with an inflated This is the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs
balloon into a small pulmonary arterial branch. It estimates the (pleura) and the wall of the chest.
left atrial pressure. When fluid collects in the pleural space, the condition is
called pleural effusion. 14 Oct 2019
4. PULMONARY ANGIOGRAPHY
What does a VQ scan diagnose?
A pulmonary angiogram is an angiogram of the blood vessels
A VQ scan can help to diagnose a blood clot in the lungs. If left
of the lungs. The procedure is done with a special contrast
untreated, blood clots can be fatal. If you have symptoms of a
dye injected into the body's blood vessels. This is done in the
blood clot, such as shortness of breath and a sharp pain when
groin or arm. The dye shows up on X-rays. Fluoroscopy is
you breathe in, your doctor might recommend a VQ scan. A
often used during this test.
blood clot is also known as a pulmonary embolism or PE.
Indications
4. VENTILATION-PERFUSION SCAN
evaluation of maximum exhaled CO2 concentration as
a reflection of the PaCO. A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan is a pair of nuclear
scan tests. These tests use inhaled and injected radioactive
evaluation of the severity of pulmonary disease.
material (radioisotopes) to measure breathing (ventilation) and
monitoring the integrity of the ventilator circuit and
circulation (perfusion) in all areas of the lungs.
PRAGMATIC
artificial airway. OXYGEN THERAPY
monitoring the adequacy of pulmonary blood flow.
Normal range Learning Outcomes
35 to 45 mmHg Discuss methods of administering Oxygen Therapy
rate of ventilation should be 12-20 breaths per minute commonly practice in the local health facility settings.
(bpm) for adults if the patient is breathing on their own Video Presentation of 2 common methods of
and 10-12 bpm if you're ventilating them. administering Oxygen in the local health facility.
References
Introduction to Critical Care Nursing, Ed 3; Sole, Lamborn
and Harthorn, W.B. Saunders Company
Health Assessment Made Incredibly Visual, Lippincott
Williams and Wilkins
https://www.google.com/search?
q=pulse+oximetry&sxsrf=ALeKk00Q-
Qne_Pth5V5COKWB08gD7jNcng
%3A1628956929432&ei=AekXYffdGciFoATkjoHQB
https://www.google.com/search?q=ventilation-
perfusion+scan&sxsrf=ALeKk01ulIizd_vQf_MuCD_xMJYP
eZmPbw%3A1629014298908
Equipment
The equipment needed depends on the type of delivery
system ordered.
Equipment includes selections from the following list:
Oxygen source (wall unit, cylinder, liquid tank, or
concentrator)
flowmeter
adapter, if using a wall unit or a pressure-reduction
gauge, if using a cylinder
sterile humidity bottle and adapters
sterile distilled water
oxygen precaution sign (No Smoking)
appropriate oxygen delivery system (a nasal cannula,
simple mask, or nonrebreather mask for low-flow and
variable oxygen concentrations; a Venturi mask, gloves
stethoscope
sphygmomanometer
☝ Definition of Terms
Hypercapnia: Increased amounts of carbon dioxide in the
blood. FiO2: Fraction of inspired oxygen (%).
Hypoxemia: Low arterial oxygen tension (in the blood.) PaCO2: The partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood. It is
Hypoxia: Low oxygen level at the tissues. used to assess the adequacy of ventilation.
Low flow: Low flow systems are specific devices that do PaO2: The partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood. It
not provide the patient's entire ventilatory requirements, is used to assess the adequacy of oxygenation.
room air is entrained with the oxygen, diluting the FiO2. SaO2: Arterial oxygen saturation measured from blood
specimen.
SpO2: Arterial oxygen saturation measured via pulse
☝ Review of Normal Values and SpO2 Targets
oximetry.
Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2)
High flow: High flow systems are specific devices that
o 80 -100 mmHg - children/adults
deliver the patient's entire ventilatory demand, meeting,
o 50 - 80 mmHg - neonates or exceeding the patients Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate
Partial pressure of arterial CO2 (PaCO2) (PIFR), thereby providing an accurate FiO2.
o 35 - 45 mmHg children/adults Humidification is the addition of heat and moisture to a
o pH = 7.35 -7.45 gas. The amount of water vapor that a gas can carry
increases with temperature.
☝ Review of SpO2 Targets What are the common various oxygen therapy devices?
94% - 98% (PaO2 between 80 and 100 mmHg) in patients 1. NASAL CANNULA
without cyanotic congenital heart disease or chronic lung
disease Oxygen is delivered through plastic
cannulas in the patient’s nostrils.
> 70% (PaO2 37 mmHg) in patients who have had cardiac
surgery of their congenital cyanotic heart disease
> 60% (PaO2 32mmHg) in unrepaired congenital cyanotic
heart disease
Advantages: Safe and simple; comfortable and easily
91 - 95% for premature and term neonates
tolerated; nasal prongs can be shaped to fit any face; effective
≥ 90% for infants with bronchiolitis
for low oxygen concentrations; allows movement, eating, and
talking; inexpensive and disposable.
INTRODUCTION Disadvantages: Can’t deliver concentrations higher than 40%;
Oxygen is required by all tissues to support cell can’t be used in complete nasal obstruction; may cause
metabolism; in acute illness, low tissue oxygenation (hypoxia) headaches or dry mucous membranes if flow rate exceeds 6
can occur due to a failure in any of the systems that deliver L/minute; can dislodge easily.
and circulate oxygen. Hypoxia is an indication to start oxygen
therapy; this can be a lifesaving intervention, but given without Administration guidelines:
appropriate assessment and ongoing evaluation, it can also be Hook the cannula tubing behind the patient’s ears and under
detrimental to patient’s health. (Ridler et al, 2014.) the chin. Slide the adjuster upward under the chin to secure
The guidelines recommend: the tubing. If using an elastic strap to secure the cannula,
administering oxygen to treat hypoxemia (low blood position it over the ears and around the back of the head.
oxygen levels) Avoid applying it too tightly, which can result in excess
prescribing a target oxygen saturation range to guide pressure on facial structures and cannula occlusion as well.
therapeutic treatment. With a nasal cannula, oral breathers achieve the same
oxygen delivery as nasal breathers.
In an emergency situation, immediate assessment of
airway patency, breathing and circulation is essential, and in 2. SIMPLE MASK
critical illness such as peri-arrest, high concentration oxygen Oxygen flows through an entry port at the bottom of the mask
should be commenced via reservoir mask at 10-15L/min. if the and exits through large holes on the sides of the mask.
patient is hypoxic, with continuous monitoring of pulse oximetry
and prescription of an appropriate target range once the Advantages: Can deliver
patient’s condition is stabilized (Resuscitation Council (UK), concentrations of 35% to
2015). 50%.
Pulse Oximetry must be available in all settings where Disadvantages: Hot and
emergency oxygen is used. It is essential to: confining; may irritate
record Inspired oxygen (FIO2) delivery device and oxygen patient’s skin; tight seal,
saturation. which may cause
monitor and document the effect of any changes to discomfort, is required
administer O2 therapy. for higher oxygen
concentration; interferes
with talking and eating;
3. NONREBREATHER MASK impractical for long-term
On inhalation, the one-way valve opens, directing oxygen from therapy because of
a reservoir bag into the mask. On exhalation, gas exits the imprecision.
mask through the one-way expiratory valve and enters the
atmosphere. The patient only breathes gas from the bag. Administration guidelines: Select the mask size that offers the
best fit. Place the mask over the patient’s nose, mouth, and
Advantages: chin, and mold the flexible metal edge to the bridge of the
Delivers the highest nose. Adjust the elastic band around the head to hold the
possible oxygen mask firmly but comfortably over the cheeks, chin, and bridge
concentration (60% to of the nose. For elderly or cachectic patients with sunken
90%) short of intubation cheeks, tape gauze pads to the mask over the cheek area to
and mechanical try to create an airtight seal. Without this seal, room air dilutes
ventilation; effective for the oxygen, preventing delivery of the prescribed
short-term therapy; can concentration. A minimum of 5 L/minute is required in all
be converted to a partial masks to flush expired carbon dioxide from the mask so that
rebreather mask, if the patient doesn’t rebreathe it.
necessary, by removing
the one-way valve.
Disadvantages:
Requires a tight seal, which may be difficult to maintain and
may cause discomfort; may irritate the patient’s skin; interferes
with talking and eating; impractical for long-term therapy.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
4. VENTURI / AIR-ENTRAINMENT MASK
mixes oxygen with room air, creating high-flow enriched Relieve hypoxemia and maintain adequate oxygenation
oxygen of a desired concentration. It provides an accurate of tissues and vital organs, as assessed by
and constant FiO2 despite varied respiratory rates and SpO2 /SaO2 monitoring and clinical signs.
tidal volumes. FiO2 delivery settings are typically set at 24, Give oxygen therapy in a way which prevents excessive
28, 31, 35 and 40% oxygen. CO2 accumulation - i.e. selection of the appropriate flow
This device is appropriate for patients who have a hypoxic rate and delivery device.
drive to breathe but also need supplemental oxygen; ex. Reduce the work of breathing.
COPD pt..
General instructions to patients for oxygen therapy
To help yourself
Using oxygen may dry out your nose or lips
If you use a nasal cannula, the tubing may rub under your
nostrils and around your ears
Do not use alcohol or take drugs that relax you, because
they will slow your breathing rate
Keep track of how much oxygen is in the tank, and
reorder before it runs out
Recommended Vids
https://youtu.be/DNx_WoNjs2U What should you check before administering oxygen?
https://youtu.be/WZRuOsJuYTY Document baseline observations including saturations,
https://youtu.be/8ceP-iVHEPA respiratory rate, blood pressure and pulse.
Note respiratory effort, color, level of consciousness.
References Check that there is a prescription for oxygen with a stated
Citation: Olive S (2016) Practical Procedures: oxygen target saturation range (except in peri-arrest situation)
therapy. Nursing times; 112:1/2, 12-14. Author: Sandra Medical emergencies requiring high concentrations of
Olive, respiratory nurse specialist, Norfolk and Norwich oxygen in all cases: Shock. Sepsis. Major trauma.
University Hospitals Foundation Trust. Cardiac arrest and during resuscitation. Anaphylaxis. ...
Clinical Guidelines (Nursing): Oxygen delivery Medical emergencies which may or may not require
https://www.rch.org.au › hospital_clinical_guideline_index oxygen administration. Asthma. Bronchitis. Acute heart
failure or heart failure exacerbations. Pulmonary
embolism.
Preparation
1. Determine the need for oxygen therapy, and verify the
medical order for the therapy.
a. Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g., name
and date of birth).
2. Prepare the client and support people
• Assist the client to a semi-Fowler’s position if possible
• Explain that oxygen is not dangerous when safety
precautions are observed.
• Inform the client and support people about the safety
precautions connected with oxygen use.
Performance
3. Introduce self and verify the client’s identity using agency
protocol. Explain to the client what you are going to do, why it
is necessary, and how he or she can participate.
4. Discuss how the effects of the oxygen therapy will be used
in planning further care or treatments
5. Explain that oxygen will ease dyspnea or discomfort.
Encourage him/her to breathe through the nose.
6. Perform hand hygiene and observe other appropriate
infection prevention procedures
7. Provide for client privacy, if appropriate
8. Set up the oxygen equipment and the humidifier
• Attach the flow meter to the wall outlet or tank. The flow
meter should be in the off position.
• If needed, fill the humidifier bottle. (This can be done
before coming to the bedside.).
• Attach the humidifier bottle to the base of the flow
meter.
• Attach the prescribed oxygen tubing and delivery device
to the humidifier
9. Turn on the oxygen at the prescribed rate and ensure
• Fit the mask to the contours of the client’s face proper functioning.
• Secure the elastic band around the client’s head so that • Check that the oxygen is flowing freely through the
the mask is comfortable but snug. tubing.
• Pad the band behind the ears and over bony • There should be no kinks in the tubing, and the
prominences. connections should be airtight
11. Assess the client regularly. • There should be bubbles in the humidifier
• Assess the client’s vital signs, level of anxiety, color, and as the oxygen flows through.
ease of respirations, and provide support while the client You should feel the oxygen at the outlets of the cannula
adjusts to the device. or mask
• Assess the client in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the • Set the oxygen at the flow rate ordered.
client’s condition, and regularly thereafter for any signs of 10. Apply the appropriate oxygen delivery device.
hypoxia, tachycardia, dyspnea, restlessness and cyanosis. Cannula
12. Monitor continuous therapy by assessing for pressure • Place the tips of the cannula no more than 1.25 cm to
areas on the skin and nares every 2 hours and rechecking the patient’s nares.
flow rate every 4 to 8 hours. • Put the cannula over the client’s face, with the outlet
13. For nasal cannula prongs fitting into the nares and the tubing hooked
• When using a nasal cannula, place the prongs into the around the ears.
patient’s nares and fit the tubing around their ears. • If the cannula will not stay in place, tape it at the sides
• Apply a water-soluble lubricant as required to soothe the of the face
Nasal mucous membranes. • Pad the tubing and band over the ears and cheekbones
• Place gauze pads at ear beneath the tubing, as as needed.
necessary. Face Mask
• Guide the mask toward the client’s face, and apply it
For face mask
from the nose downward
• When using a mask, place the mask over the patient’s
Sample Documentation:
mouth and nose, secure a firm seal, and tighten the straps
P: Impaired gas exchange.
around the head
I: O2 at 2L/m via cannula started because sats dropped to
• Inspect the facial skin frequently for dampness or
91%. RR 26 and c/o dyspnea. Teaching regarding the
chafing, and dry and treat it as needed.
importance of O2 and reinforced the importance of deep
breathing.
Reservoir mask (non-rebreathing mask)
E: O2 sats increased to 94%, RR 18, states more
• If using a non-rebreather mask, partially inflate the
comfortable. (your name and signature)
reservoir bag before applying the mask. Place the patient
in an upright position as clinically appropriate.