Oxygen Therapy Administration
Category: Respiratory
Overview
Delivery of supplemental oxygen to patients with hypoxemia or respiratory distress using various delivery devices.
Indications
Hypoxemia, respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, shock, carbon monoxide poisoning, postoperative recovery.
Contraindications
COPD patients (use caution with high concentrations), bleomycin therapy, certain chemotherapy patients (relative contraindication).
Equipment Needed
Oxygen source, flowmeter, delivery device (nasal cannula, simple mask, non-rebreather mask), humidifier if indicated, pulse oximeter.
Procedure Steps
1. Verify physician order for oxygen therapy
2. Explain procedure to patient
3. Assess patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation
4. Select appropriate delivery device based on patient needs
5. Connect oxygen tubing to wall outlet or portable tank
6. Set prescribed flow rate on flowmeter
7. Apply delivery device to patient ensuring proper fit
8. Monitor patient response and oxygen saturation
9. Adjust flow rate as needed per protocol
10. Document administration and patient response
11. Provide patient education about oxygen safety
12. Monitor for complications and effectiveness
Safety Considerations
Post 'No Smoking' signs. Keep oxygen away from heat sources. Ensure proper flow rates. Monitor for oxygen toxicity with high concentrations. Check equipment regularly for proper function.
Potential Complications
Oxygen toxicity, absorption atelectasis, drying of mucous membranes, CO2 retention in COPD patients, fire hazard, skin breakdown from delivery devices.
Documentation
Record delivery method, flow rate, patient's oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, patient tolerance, and any changes in condition.
References
American Association for Respiratory Care. (2002). AARC Clinical Practice Guideline: Oxygen Therapy for Adults in Acute Care Facilities. Respiratory Care, 47(6), 717-720.