OXYGEN ADMNISTRATION

DEFINITION:-The administration of oxygen is a process of providing the Oxygen supply to the

child for the treatment of low concentration of O2 in the blood. The normal amount of oxygen in
the arterial blood should be in the range of 80 t0 100 mm/hg. If it falls below 60mm/hg;
irreversible physiological effects may occur.
PURPOSES OF OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION:-
 To manage the condition of hypoxia.
 To maintain the oxygen tension in blood plasma.
 To increase the ox hemoglobin in red blood cells.
 To maintain the ability of cells to carry out the normal metabolic function.
 To reduce the risk of complications.
INDICATIONS OF OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION:-
 Cyanosis: - Bluish discoloration of skin, nail buds, mucus membranes, resulting from a
decreased amount of oxygen in the hemoglobin of the blood.
 Breathlessness or Labored breathing: - By some diseases like emphysema, pulmonary
embolism, coronary thrombosis.
 Pulmonary hypertension
 Anemia
 Environment with low oxygen content
 Poisoning with chemicals that alter the ability to utilize oxygen e.g cyanide poisoning.
 Hemorrhage
 Shock and circulatory failure
 Asphyxia
EQUIPMENTS NEEDED FOR OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION:-
 Oxygen source – Oxygen cylinder, central
supply.
 Oxygen instruments according to method like
oxygen mask, oxygen hood, nasal prongs, nasal
catheter, oxygen tent or canopy.
 Humidifier
 Flow meter
 Gauze pieces
 Adhesive tape
 ‘No smoking’ signs
 Spinner to open the valve of oxygen cylinder
 Bowel with water to check the patency of the tube

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METHODS OF OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION:-

Oxygen administration depends upon the condition of the child, age, concentration desired,
facilities available and the preference of the doctor. Oxygen can e given continuously and
intermittently. It depends on the requirements of the child. It is given 40 to 60 concentration.
There are following methods of oxygen administration:-

1) Administration by nasal catheter:- this is very common method in hospital settings.

a) A catheter is inserted into the nostril reaching up to the
uvula and is held in place by adhesive tapes.
b) 4 to 6 catheter no. is used and it should be 7.5 to 10 cm
inserted in the nasopharynx.
c) The catheter should be removed every 8 hourly and new
catheter is inserted by using other nostril alternatively.
d) Catheter methods is used for the older children.
e) The amount of oxygen should be 4 liter per minute.

2) Administration by mask:- There are various face

masks available that cover the child’s mouth and nose
for O2 administration.
a) The mask size should be according to the child’s
size.
b) It should be properly fitted.
c) It should be removed every 4 hourly and wipe the
face.
d) The flow of O2 should be 2-3 liter for young
children and 1-2 liter/ minute in infants.

3) Administration by hood method:-

a) Oxygen tents are frequently oriented for paediatric
children.
b) Usual flow rate is 10-12 l/ minute.

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PROCEDURE:-
Preparation of patient:-
 Check name, bed no and other identification marks of the patient.
 Check the diagnosis, need of the oxygen therapy.
 Check the doctor’s order for the initiation of the therapy and dosages.
 Assess the patient for any signs of clinical anoxia.
STEPS OF PROCEDURE:-
 Wash hands.
 Attach cannula, mask to oxygen tube and humidified oxygen source adjusted to the
prescribed flow rate.
 Fit the metal piece of mask to conform to shape of nose.
 Secure elastic band around patient’s head.
 In method of oxygen tent tuck the edges of the tent under the mattress securely.
 Check the cannula/ equipment every 8 hourly.
 Keep the humidification or filled at all times.
 Check the oxygen flow rate and physician order every eight hours.
 Ensure that safety precautions all followed.
 Wash hands before removing the oxygen mask and hood.
 Remove the mask and dry the skin every 2-3 hours if oxygen administrated continuously.
Do not put powder around the mask.
 Inspect the patient for relief of symptoms associated with hypoxia.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:-
 Don’t administer oxygen without doctor’s order, except in emergency.
 Don’t administer more than 50% concentration.
 Don’t allow smoking in ward.
 Don’t use electrical equipment near oxygen source.
 Don’t use alcohol near the oxygen cylinder.
 Always administer humidifier oxygen to the patient.
 Proper recording and reporting should be followed.
 Continuously monitor the condition of the patient to find out the oxygen toxicity
symptoms.
 Lubricate the nasal catheter before inserting.
 Keep ready one cylinder to prevent the deprivation of oxygen.
AFTER CARE:-
 Keep the patient warm and comfortable.

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 Evaluate the patient’s progress by observation of vital signs.
 Watch the patient for any deterioration symptoms.
 After administering oxygen inform the doctor.
 Record the procedure with date and time.
 Sent the articles to the utility room.
 Hand washing must be done.
COMPLICATIONS OF OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION:-
 Infection by using contaminated equipment in tracheostomy or endotracheal tubes.
 Drying of mucus membranes of the respiratory tract due to insufficient humidifier oxygen
administration.
 Oxygen toxicity: like tracheal irritation and cough.
 Oxygen induced apnea: the carbon dioxide is washed off completely from the blood by a
high concentration of oxygen. The respiratory center is not stimulated sufficiently.
 Asphyxia
 Atelectasis: collapse of alveoli develops as a result of increased oxygen concentration in
the inspired air.