MATERNAL AND CHILD

HEALTH NURSING RLE

(NCM 109)
OXYGEN THERAPY
OXYGEN THERAPY
•Is a widely available and used in a
variety of settings to relieve or prevent
hypoxia
•The administration of oxygen at a
concentration greater than that found in
the environmental atmosphere.
INDICATIONS
•A change in the patient’s respiratory rate or
pattern (one of the earliest indicators for
oxygen therapy).
•The need for oxygen is assessed by ABG
analysis, pulse oximetry, and clinical
evaluation.
COMPLICATIONS
•Oxygen toxicity
•Suppression of ventilation
•Other complications
a)Danger of fire (oxygen as a combustible
element)
b)Potential source of bacterial cross-
infection
Oxygen toxicity
• OXYGEN TOXICITY (>50% for >48 hours)
• Signs and symptoms
substernal discomfort, paraesthesia, dyspnea,
restlessness, fatigue, malaise, progressive
respiratory difficulty, refractory hypoxemia,
alveolar atelectasis, alveolar infiltrates evident on
chest x-rays.
Methods of Oxygen Administration
Low Flow System
• provide oxygen at flow rates that are lower than
patients' inspiratory demands

High Flow System

• delivers oxygen, through nasal prongs, at higher than
normal flow rates of traditional oxygen therapy.
EQUIPEMENTS
• Oxygen tubing
• Humidifier (if indicated)
• Sterile Water (for humidifier)
• Oxygen Source
• Oxygen Flow meter
• Stethoscope
• Pulse Oximeter
• APPROPRIATE ROOM SIGNS
FLOW METER OXYGEN TUBING OXYGEN SOURCE
STERILE WATER STETHOSCOPE

PULSE OXIMETER
SIGNS
Steps
• Identify the patient using two identifiers

• Assess patient’s respiratory status, including symmetry of

chest wall expansion, chest wall abnormalities, temporary
conditions (e.g. pregnancy, trauma) affecting ventilation,
respiratory rate and depth, sputum production, and lung
sounds

• Observe for patent airway and remove secretions by having

patient cough and expectorate mucus or by suctioning
• Obtain patient’s most recent SPO2 or arterial blood gas
values if available

• Review patient’s medical record for oxygen nothing the

delivery method, flow rate, and duration of oxygen therapy

• Explain to the patient and family what happens during

procedure and the purpose of oxygen therapy

• Perform hand hygiene

• Attach oxygen-delivery device (e.g. nasal cannula or mask)
to oxygen tubing and attach to humidified oxygen source
adjusted to prescribed flow rate

• Position tips of nasal cannula properly n patient’s nares and

adjust elastic headband or plastic tubing slide on cannula so
it is snug and comfortable.

• Maintain sufficient slack on oxygen tubing and secure to

patient’s clothes

• Observe for proper functioning of oxygen-delivery device

NURSING MANAGEMENT
• Reinforce teaching on how to use oxygen safely and
effectively, including fire safety tips.

• Ensures that the physician’s prescription includes the

diagnosis, the prescribed oxygen flow, and conditions for
use (e.g. continuous use, nighttime use only).

• Remind the patient receiving long-term oxygen therapy

and the family about the importance of keeping follow-up
appointments with the physician