OXYGEN THERAPY

Charles Indongo
Objectives
• Defining Oxygen
• Explain the purpose of oxygen therapy.
• Mention the indications.
• Explain the sources of oxygen
• Describe methods of oxygen administration include advantages and
disadvantages
• Discuss nursing intervention for oxygen therapy
• Explain side effects and complications of oxygen therapy
Definition
• Oxygen is a colourless, odourless tasteless gas that is essential for the
body to function properly and survive
• Oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen at a concentration of
pressure greater than that found in the environment atmosphere
• The air that we breathe contain approximately 21 % oxygen
• Oxygen therapy is a key treatment in respiratory care
PURPOSE
• The body is constantly taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide
• If the process is inadequate oxygen in the blood decrease, and the
patient may need supplemental oxygen
• The purpose is to increase oxygen saturation in the tissue where
saturation levels are too low due to illness or injury
INDICATIONS
• Acute respiratory failure
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Cardiac failure
• Shock
• Hyper metabolic state induced by trauma, burns or sepsis
• Anaemia
• Cyanide poisoning
• During CPR
• During anaesthesia for surgery
Oxygen-Prescribed medication
It must be written legibly by the doctor
Prescription must be dated by the doctor
Doctor must indicate duration of oxygen therapy
The oxygen percent concentration must be prescribed
The flow rate must be prescribed
Sources of oxygen
• Oxygen cylinder
• Oxygen wall outlets
Oxygen wall outlet
•
METHODS OF OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION
• NASAL CANNULA:
• It is a disposable, plastic devise with two protruding prong for
insertions into the nostrils, connected to an oxygen source
• Used for low-medium concentration of oxygen
NASAL CANNULA (Prongs)
NASAL CANNULA NURSING
INTERVENTION
• Be alert for skin breakdown over the ears and the nostrils from too
tight an application
• Observe for mucosal dryness
• Check frequently that both prongs are in clients nares
OXYGEN MASK
• Simple mask is made of clear, flexible plastic or rubber that can be
made to fit the face
• It is held to the head with elastic bands
• Some have a metal clip that can be bent over the bridge of the nose
for a comfortable fit
SIMPLE FACE MASK
Oxygen mask cont.
• It is used when an increased delivery of oxygen is needed for short
periods (example less than 12 hours)
• It has vent on its sides which allow room air to leak in at many places
thereby diluting the source of oxygen
• It delivers 35% to 60% oxygen, a flow rate of 6 to 10 litres per minute
Advantage of face mask
• Can provide increased delivery of oxygen for short period of time.
• DISADVANTAGES:
• Tight seal is required to deliver higher concentration
• Difficult to keep mask in position over nose and mouth
• Potential for skin breakdown
• Uncomfortable for patients while eating and talking
• Expensive with nasal tube.
Nursing intervention
• Monitor client frequently to check placement of the mask
• Talk to the physician for an order to replace the mask with nasal
cannula during meal time
Side effects and complications of oxygen
therapy
• Oxygen toxicity (A condition due to inspiration of high concentration
of oxygen)
• Retro lental fibroplasia (leads to blindness due to vasoconstriction and
ischemia)
• Absorption atelectactasis
• Oxygen concentration greater than 50% over 24 to 48 hours can cause
pathological changes in the lungs
Safety precautions during oxygen therapy
• Oxygen is highly a combustible gas
• It can easily cause fire in patients’ room in the presence of a spark
from an open flame or electrical equipment
• Keep oxygen delivery system away from any open flame
• Determine that all electrical equipment function well in patient’s room
• Secure oxygen cylinder with a chain, not to fall over
• Oxygen cylinders should be stored upright
• Check oxygen levels before transporting a patient to ensure enough
oxygen in the tank
EVALUATION

• Regular breathing pattern at a normal rate

• Pink colour in nail beds, lips, conjunctiva of the eyes
• No confusion, disorientation, difficulty in thinking
• Arterial oxygen concentration or haemoglobin
• Oxygen saturation within normal limits
DOCUMENTATION
• Date and time oxygen started
• Mention method of delivery
• Oxygen concentration and flow rate
• Patient observation
• Oral and nasal care on the nursing care plan
Reference:
• Berman, A., Snyder, A., (2012). Fundamentals of Nursing: Concepts,
process and practice. New York: Pearson Publishing Co.
• Student practical workbook (year 1)