Oxygen Therapy

Front 1

Cannula

Back 1

Disposable plastic tube with two prongs that delivers oxygen through
the nares. Oxygen flow rates of 1 to 6 L/min.

Front 2

Simple face mask

Back 2

Mask that covers the nose and mouth. It delivers oxygen
concentrations from 40% to 60% at flow rates of 5 to 8 L/min.
– Minimum flow rate is 5 L/min to ensure flushing of CO2
from the
mask.

Front 3

Partial rebreather

Back 3

Delivers an FiO2 of 60% to 75% at flow rates of 6 to 11 L/ min.
– The mask has a reservoir bag attached with no valve, which allows
the client to rebreathe up to one-third of exhaled air together with
room air.
– The two exhalation ports on side of mask do not have flaps covering
them which allows some room air to enter the mask.

Front 4

Nonrebreather

Back 4

The mask has a reservoir bag attached with no valve, which allows
the client to rebreathe up to 1/3 of exhaled air together with room air.
– Delivers the highest O2 concentration possible (except for
intubation).
– A one-way valve situated between the mask and reservoir allows the
client to inhale maximum O2
from the reservoir bag.
– The two exhalation ports on the side of the mask have flaps covering
them that prevent room air from entering the mask.

Front 5

venturi

Back 5

Delivers an FiO2 of 24% to 100% at flow rates of at least 10 L/min.
– Provides high humidification with oxygen delivery.
– Used when precise levels of oxygen delivery needed.

Front 6

What should a nurse reinforce in education for a client and the client’s family regarding oxygen safety?

Back 6

Reinforce with client and family that oxygen is flammable.
• No smoking when oxygen is in use or use of volatile flammable materials
around oxygen.
• Client should wear cotton clothing and use cotton bedding material.
• No candles, flames, or fireplace in room should be allowed when oxygen
is in use.
• Avoid flammable material around oxygen.

Front 7

In caring for a client with oxygen, a nurse monitors for hypoxemia. What manifestations of hypoxemia?

Back 7

Early
– Tachycardia
– Tachypnea
– Dyspnea
– Pallor
• Late
– Cyanosis
– Confusion and stupor
– Bradycardia
– Hypotension

Front 8

What interventions should be done for a client on oxygen therapy?

Back 8

Monitor the client’s SaO2
.
• Place the client in a high- or semi-Fowler’s position to facilitate breathing.
• Promote good oral hygiene and provide as needed.
• Promote pulmonary toileting.
‒ Turning
‒ Coughing
‒ Deep breathing
‒ Use of incentive spirometry to prevent atelectasis
• Monitor skin integrity.
• Provide moisture and pressure relief devices as needed.

Front 9

When administering oxygen to a client who has COPD, what are the nurse’s priority considerations?

Back 9

Oxygen-induced hypoventilation can occur in clients with COPD.
• Clients can need 2 to 4 L/min per nasal cannula, or up to 40% per
Venturi mask.
• Clients who have chronic hypercarbia usually require 1 to 2 L/min via
nasal cannula.
• It is important to recognize that low arterial levels of oxygen serve as
their primary drive for breathing.
• Providing supplemental oxygen at high levels can decrease or eliminate
their respiratory drive.

Front 10

What are manifestations of oxygen toxicity?

Back 10

Non-productive cough
• Substernal pain
• Nasal stuffiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Hypoventilation

Front 11

Describe age-related changes that should be considered when administering oxygen to an older adult client.

Back 11

Calcification of bone and cartilage in the rib cage impairs the ability to
ventilate.
• Changes in the curvature of the spine decrease thoracic volume and
affect ventilation.
• Loss of alveoli and the decreased elasticity of alveoli and bronchioles
lead to problems with ventilation.
• Older adults are often at increased risk for alterations in skin integrity.