Oxygen Therapy

Provision of therapeutic oxygen

Purposes
- To provide supplemental oxygen to patient needing an increased amount of oxygen
for inspiration
- To prevent hypoxia (occurs if the amount of oxygen delivered to the body tissues is
too low.
Signs and Symptoms
- Tachycardia
- Dyspnea
- Cyanosis
- Restlessness
Equipment
1. Oxygen supply (tank, built in O2)
2. Flow Meter Gauge indicate the gas flow in liters
3. Cylinder Content Gauge indicates the amount of oxygen in the tank
4. Humidifier Bottle prevents dryness of oral and nasal mucous membrane
5. Nasal Cannula/Face Mask
6. No Smoking sign
7. Tape/micropore
8. Gauge
Things To Remember
- Oxygen can be delivered from wall outlet or portable cylinder
- Oxygen can cause drying of mucous membrane
Safety Measures
1. Avoid open flames in the patients room
2. Place No Smoking sign in the areas where Oxygen be used especially in the
patients room and instruct the patient visitors the danger of smoking.
3. Avoid using oil or any clothing stained with oil
4. Receiving oxygen is a frightening experience for patient
5. The patient should wear clothes made of cotton
6. Make sure there are no short circuit on the nasal Cannula or nasal prong.
Procedure
1. Determine the need for oxygen therapy and verify the order for the therapy
2. Assemble all the equipment needed
3. Identify the patient and explain what you are going to do.
4. Wash hands.
5. Provide privacy
6. Set-up the oxygen equipment and the humidifier bottle
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a. Attach the flow meter to the wall outlet or tank

b. Fill the humidifier bottle with distilled water
c. Attach the humidifier bottle to the base of the flow meter
d. Attach the prescribed oxygen tubing and delivery device to the humidifier bottle
7. Turn-on the oxygen at the prescribed rate and ensure proper functioning
a. Check that oxygen is flowing freely through the tubing by putting the outlet of the
nasal cannula to the face or hands and feel if there is air coming out.
b. There should be bubbles in the humidifier bottle
c. Set the oxygen at the flow rate prescribed
8. Apply the appropriate oxygen delivery device
a. Nasal Cannula or Nasal Prong Put the cannula over the clients face with the
outlet fits into the narease and the elastic bond around the head. If the cannula
will not stay in place, ask permission from the patient that you are going to put a
tape; then tape it on the sides of the face. Pad the tubing and bond over the ears
and cheek bones.
b. Face Mask Guide the mask towards the clients face and apply it from the nose
downward.
- Fit the mask to the contour of the clients face.
- Secure elastic bond around the clients head.
- Pad the bond behind the ears and bony prominences.
9. Assess the client regularly.
- Vital signs
- Anxiety level of the patient
- Color of the patient
- Ease of respiration
- Assess for signs of hypoxia
10. Inspect the equipment regularly
- Checking the flow meter and the level of the humidifier bottle
11. After care, handwashing then documentation.

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