Introduction Oxygen is gas found in air and it is around 21% in natural air of our environment. It has no colour, odour and taste. It is an essential component for life. It is a combustible gas.
Definition Oxygen administration is defined as the administration of the oxygen for treatment of the conditions resulting from oxygen deficiency.
Purpose To relieve Dyspnea. To prevent Hypoxemia (Low level of O 2 in Blood) and Hypoxia (Low level of O 2 in Cell). To increase oxygenation in tissues. To maintain the availability of the cell to carry out the normal metabolic function.
Indications Severe respiratory distress for example acute asthma, pneumonia. Intra and post operatively. Hypoxia & Hypoxemia due to :- Lack of O 2 in air, Inadequate tissue Oxygenation, Poisoning, Haemorrhage. Breathlessness or Laboured breathing. High altitudes. Shock and Circulatory failures.
Contra - Indications Administer with caution to the patient with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) as it induces hypoventilation. Atelectasis. Oxygen toxicity.
Sources of Oxygen Central Supply. Oxygen Cylinder.
Mask Method, A. Simple Mask, B. Venturi Mask or Hudson Mask,
C. NRBM ( N on R e- B reathing M ask) - These mask are used in emergency situations it has three valves Reservoir valve - 1 Nos., Expiratory valve - 2 Nos. Flow rate 15L/M, Concentration >90% (high concentration mask)
D. PRBM ( P artial R e- B reathing M ask) : It is mask attached with reservoir bag. In this mask no valve is present. Flow Rate: 12 L/Min. Concentration: 80%
E . Trans-tracheal Oxygen method : In trans-tracheal oxygenation, oxygen is delivered directly into the trachea via a catheter (small Intravenous size) into the trachea through a surgical opening in the lower neck.
Nasal Cannula Advantages Disadvantages Patients are able to talk, eat and drink with oxygen in place. It can easily dislodge from patient nostrils. Patient can vomit and let oral secretion out easily without any interruption in oxygen delivery. It causes irritation in the nostrils. It delivers low concentration of oxygen. It causes dryness in the nostrils.
Mask Advantages Disadvantages It is quick and easy to apply. It must be removed while talking, eating, vomiting and drinking. It delivers High concentration of oxygen. It obstruct coughing. - CO 2 may build up in the mask. - It Causes skin irretation .
General Instructions Oxygen should be treated as a Medication; the 10 rights of medication administration also pertain to oxygen. When using an oxygen cylinder or central supply oxygen, use a regulator and humidifier. Every part of the apparatus should be clean to prevent infection. Change nasal catheters at least every eight hours or more often to prevent blockage of the nasal catheter by a mucus plug. When oxygen therapy is to be discontinued. it should be done gradually. Pay attention to conditions that can interfere with the flow of oxygen from source to the patient. This may Include tubing, loose connections and faulty humidifying apparatus. Always keep a spare oxygen cylinder in close vicinity. Watch the patients receiving oxygen therapy continuously to detect the early signs of oxygen toxicity. Since oxygen supports combustion, fire precautions are to be taken when oxygen is on flow, e.g. smoking, use of matches, lighters etc.
Articals A tray containing : Oxygen Source. Nasal Cannula with connecting tube. Humidifier with distilled water. Flow meter. Gauze Piece. No smoking sign. Kidney Tray. Torch to inspect nostrils. Swab sticks and normal saline.
Steps of Procedure Pre-procedural steps : 1. Identify the right patient 2. Introduce yourself to the patient. 3. Explain procedure to the patient. 4. Check the patient identification and diagnosis. 5. Check right dose, device, flow rate, prescription date, and signature of physician. 6. Keep the patient in propped up position. 7. Place ‘ NO SMOKING SIGN ’.
Intra Procedural Steps Wash hands. Clean the Cannula/catheter mask firstly with wet gauze then with dry gauze. Attach the Cannula/catheter mask to O 2 tubing and humidified O 2 source adjusted to prescribed flow rate. Check the flow of O 2 , by dipping the tip of Cannula into bowl of water. Place tips of Cannula into patient's nares, if mask is applied snuggly to face. Check Cannula/equipment every 8 hour. Keep humidification jar filled at all times. Observe the patients nares and superior surface of both ears and skin. Check the O 2 , flow rate. Inspect the patient for relief of symptoms associated with hypoxia. Record procedure in the nurses records.
Post Procedural Steps Stay with the patient. Keep the patient warm and comfortable. Evaluate the patient progress by observing the vital signs. Watch the patient for any deteriorating symptoms after the removal of O 2 inhalation. Record date and time. Take all the articles to utility room. Clean nasal catheter with wet and dry gauze piece and replace them back.
Care of Article After each use the Mask and Cannula must be cleaned by : 1. Soaking the Cannula or mask in a soapy water or savilon for an hour. 2. Dry it properly 3. Clean the tip of Cannula with sprit swab. 4. Clean the interior of mask before reapplying it to patient.
Nurse’s Responsibility in O 2 Administration Prevention of accident and complications. Assessment and documentations. Hourly check should be make and recorded on the patient observation chart for the following, 1. Heart Rate 2. Respiratory Rate 3. Signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring 4. Oxygen saturation Weaning from oxygen.