Administering Oxygen

PURPOSE

Cannula
To deliver a relatively low concentration of oxygen when only minimal oxygen support is required
To allow uninterrupted delivery of oxygen while the client ingests food or fluids

Face mask
To provide moderate oxygen support and a higher concentration of oxygen and humidity.

Face tent
To provide high humidity.
To provide oxygen when a mask is poorly tolerated.
To provide a high flow of oxygen when attached to a venture system

PROCEDURE:

1. Gather material that are needed: to save time and be organized

• Oxygen supply with a flow meter and adapter
• Humidifier with distilled water or tap water according to agency protocol
• Oxygen delivery system (cannula, face mask and face tent)
• Tape *for nasal cannula
• Padding for the elastic band

2. Check doctors order including administering device and the liter flow to know if the procedure is appropriate for
the client and to prevent further complications you may imply to client situation.

3. Introduce self and identify client properly. Explain what you are going to do, why it is necessary and how he/ she
can cooperate. Discuss effects of the oxygen therapy will be used in planning further care or treatments. (This is to
reduce patient’s anxiety and build trust and have the cooperation of the patients)

4. Perform hand hygiene and observe other appropriate infection control procedures to prevent the spread of
microorganism

5. Provide for client’s privacy.by closing the door or drawing the curtains to preserved client’s integrity

6. Set up the oxygen equipment and the humidifier.

a. Attach the flow meter to the wall outlet or tank
b. Attach the humidifier bottle to the base of flow meter
Attach the prescribed oxygen tubing and delivery device to the humidifier (cannula, face mask,
face tent)

7. Apply the appropriate oxygen delivery system.

A. Cannula
 ✓Put the cannula over the client’s face, with the outlet prongs fitting into the nares and adjust the strap to
adjust under the chin

✓If cannula will not stay tape, it at the sides of the face

✓Pad the tubing and band over the ears and cheekbones

B. Face mask
✓Guide the mask toward the clients face and apply it from the nose downward.

✓Fit the mask to the contours of the client’s face.

✓Secure the elastic band around the client’s head so that the mask is comfortable but snug.

✓Pad the band behind the ears and over bony prominences

C. Face tent
✓Place the tent over the clients face and secure the ties around the head

8. Assess the clients regularly.

a. Assess the client’s vital signs, level of anxiety, color, and ease respirations and provide support while the
client adjusts to the device.

b. Assess the client in 15-30 minutes, depending on the client’s condition and regularly thereafter.

c. Assess the client regularly for clinical sign of hypoxia, tachycardia, confusion, dyspnea, restlessness, and
cyanosis.

Nasal cannula
✓ Assess the client’s nares for encrustations and irritation.

✓ Assess the top of the client’s ears for any signs of irritation from the cannula strap
Face mask or tent

✓ Inspect the facial skin frequently for dampness, chaffing. Kept dry.

10. Inspect the equipment in a regular basis.

11. Document findings in the client’s record using forms or checklist supplemented by narrative notes when
appropriate. To have proof that you really perform the procedure and that it was done to the client.