Oxygen Safety

Florence Olatule
Oxygen use in a Long-Term Care Facilty
General Safety Guidelines in a
Facility

Never remove the device (cannula,

mask) used to administer oxygen.
Make sure the device is secure but not
tight.
 Check for signs of skin irritation caused
by the device. Check behind the ears,
under the nose (cannula), and around
the face (mask). Also check the
cheekbones.
 Keep the client’s face clean and dry
when a mask is used.
Never shut off oxygen flow.
 Do not adjust the flow rate unless allowed by your
scope of practice limitations and your employer’s policy.
Convey to your supervisor immediately if the flow rate
is too high or too low.
General Report to your supervisor immediately if the humidifier
Safety is not bubbling.
Secure connecting tubing in place. Tape or pin it to the
Guidelines in client’s garment, according to employer policy.
a Facility Ensure there are no kinks in the tubing.
Ascertain that the client does not lie on any part of the
tubing.
Report signs and symptoms of hypoxia, respiratory
distress, or abnormal breathing patterns to your
supervisor immediately.
Oxygen Safety Guidelines
 • Noisy respirations
• Abnormal breathing pattern
Signs and • Wheezing
symptoms of • Wet-sounding respirations and
crowing sounds
lack of • Complaints of shortness of breath

oxygen or being “winded” or “short-

winded”

(Hypoxia) • Chest pain

• Cyanosis – skin, mucous
membranes, lips, nail beds
• Changes in vital signs
• Body position- sitting upright,
leaning forward or hunched over
a table
 Signs and
symptoms of
oxygen
toxicity