OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION

DEFINITION
It is a process by which supplemented oxygen is given in high concentration than that of
atmospheric air. Oxygen is administered as a treatment for conditions causing hypoxia or low
oxygen level in the cells.

PURPOSE
 To determine a relatively low concentration of oxygen when only minimal O2 support is
required.
 To increase oxygen saturation in tissues that have low saturation levels caused by
illness or injury.
 To relieve dyspnea and prevent hypoxia and hypoxemia.

EQUIPMENT
 Cannula
 Humidifier
 Oxygen supply with a tape
 Nasal cannula and tubing
 Cleaning solutions
 Face mask
 Oxygen delivery device

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE, DURING and AFTER THE PROCEDURE:

 Check order for oxygen; including administration of liter flow rate or percentage of
oxygen.
 Check level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in patient’s arterial blood.
 Consult with a respiratory therapist.

THINGS TO DOCUMENT AFTER THE PROCEDURE:

 Document findings in the client record using forms or checklists supplemented by
narrative notes when appropriate.

PROCEDURE RATIONALE
1. Check the Doctor’s orders To determine the need for oxygen therapy.
2. Prepare the necessary equipment. To save time and effort.
3. Posts “NO SMOKING” signs on the door and
To ensure safety.
in view of visitors.
4. Explain the procedure to the patient. To facilitate compliance with the
 procedure.
5.
Make sure that the humidifier is filled with
If needed, fill the humidifier bottle.
sterile water at the appropriate mark.

6. Attach connecting tube to the humidifier Attach the prescribed oxygen tubing and
outlet. delivery device to the humidifier.
7. Set the flow rate according to the Doctor’s Turn on the oxygen at the prescribed rate
orders. and ensure proper functioning.
A. NASAL CANNULA
8. Feel and determine if oxygen is flowing Nurse should feel the oxygen at the outlets
through the tips of the cannula. of the cannula, mask or tent.
9.
Place the tips of the cannula in the patient’s The outlet prongs are filled into the nares
nose, with the prongs fitting into the nares. and the tubing is hooked around the ears.

10.
Adjust the straps around the ears for a snug Pad the tubing and band over the ears and
comfortable fit. If the cannula will not stay in check bones as needed.
place, tape it to the sides of the face.

A. SIMPLE FACE MASK

11. Guide the mask toward the client’s face, and The mask should mold to the face so that
apply it from the nose. Fit the mask to the very little oxygen escapes into the eyes or
contours of the patient’s face. around the checks and chin.

12.
Secure the elastic band around the patient’s
The mask shall be comfortable but snug
head, and adjust the straps so the mask fits
from the patients.
securely.

13. If the reservoir bag is attached, the oxygen

The reservoir bug must not totally deflate
flow must be at a level to prevent the bag
during inspiration to avoid carbon dioxide
from the bag from fully collapsing during the
build-up.
patient’s inspiratory efforts

14. Adjust the sides of the face mask or tent to

ensure a snug yet comfortable fit. Mist
To facilitate comfort.
should always be present when using a face
tent.

B. TRACHEOSTOMY COLLAR
 Connect the tracheostomy collar to large- Attached the large-bore tubing coming
bore oxygen tubing and to the humidified from the oxygen source to the swivel
oxygen source. Mist should always be adapter on the collar. Assure that nebulizer
visible. delivers constant mist.

Adjust the oxygen flow rate to 10 LPM or as

Set oxygen flow rate and concentration as
prescribed by the physician and adjust the
ordered.
nebulizer to correct FiO2 setting.

Apply the tracheostomy collar so that it Place collar’s opening directly over the
loosely covers the patient’s tracheostomy. patient’s tracheostomy tube.

Drain excess water from the tubing as

needed. The tubing must drain away from
the patient to prevent draining contaminated
Empty any build-up of condensation to
water into the sterile distilled water and
reduce risk of condensate aspiration.
contaminating the humidifying unit. A
condensate trap may be necessary to
reduce the risk of condensate aspiration.

Clean the collar with soap and water every

Clean the tracheostomy collar as needed
day or more frequently to remove secretions
to remove secretions.
if necessary.

Instruct the patient/caregiver on suctioning. Patient/caregiver can use “teach back”

Use the frontal suctioning port of the method to demonstrate understanding of
tracheostomy collar. instruction.

Provide patient comfort measures To ensure safety.

Document the procedure done, equipment

used, liters of oxygen per minute, cardio For proper documentation and future
pulmonary status and any patient response references.
on his chart.

Ability to Answer
Completed: Yes No
Date of completion: _________