CUARTEROS, RICHIEL M.
Supplying Oxygen Inhalation
Definition:
Method by which oxygen is supplemented at higher percentages than what is available in atmospheric air.
Purpose:
1. To relieve dyspnea
2. To reduce or prevent hypoxemia and hypoxia
3. To alleviate associated with struggle to breathe
Sources of Oxygen:
Therapeutic oxygen is available from two sources
1. Wall Outlets (; Central supply)
2. Oxygen cylinders
Equipments required:
1. Client’s chart and Kardex
2. Oxygen connecting tube (1)
3. Flowmeter (1)
4. Humidifier filled with sterile water (1)
5. Oxygen source: Wall Outlets or Oxygen cylinder
6. Tray with nasal cannula of appropriate size or oxygen mask (1)
7. Kidney tray (1)
8. Adhesive tape
9. Scissors (1)
10. Oxygen stand (1)
11. Gauze pieces, Cotton swabs if needed
12. “No smoking” sign board
13. Globes if available (1)
Nursing Alert
Explain to the client the dangers of lighting matches or smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes. Be sure
the client has no matches, cigarettes, or smoking materials in the bedside table.
Make sure that warning signs (OXYGEN- NO SMOKING) are posted on the client’s door and
above the client’s bed.
Do not use oil on oxygen equipment.( Rationale: Oil can ignite if exposed to oxygen.)
With all oxygen delivery systems, the oxygen is turned on before the mask is applied to the client.
Make sure the tubing is patent at all times and that the equipment is working properly.
Maintain a constant oxygen concentration for the client to breathe; monitor equipment at regular
intervals.
Give pain medications as needed, prevent chilling and try to ensure that the client gets needed
rest.
Be alert to cues about hunger and elimination. (Rationale: The client’s physical comfort is
important.)
Watch for respiratory depression or distress.
Encourage or assist the client to move about in bed. (Rationale: To prevent hypostatic pneumonia
or circulatory difficulties.)Many clients are reluctant to move because they are afraid of the
oxygen apparatus.
Provide frequent mouth care. Make sure the oxygen contains proper humidification.( Rationale:
Oxygen can be drying to mucous membrane.)
Discontinue oxygen only after a physician has evaluated the client. Generally, you should not
abruptly discontinue oxygen given in medium-to-high concentrations (above 30%). Gradually
decrease it in stages, and monitor the client’s arterial blood gases or oxygen saturation level.
(Rationale: These steps determine whether the client needs continued support.)
Always be careful when you give high levels of oxygen to a client with COPD. The elevated
levels of oxygen in the patient’s body can depress their stimulus to breathe.
Never use oxygen in the hyperventilation patient.
Wear gloves any time you might come into contact with the client’s respiratory secretions.
(Rationale: To prevent the spread of infection).
Procedure: a. Oxygen Mask Method; Simple facemask
Care action Rationale
1. Perform hands hygiene and put on gloves if To prevent the spread of infection
available
2. Explain the procedure and the need for The client has a right to know what is
oxygen to the client. happening and why.
Providing explanations alley his/her
anxiety
3. Prepare the oxygen equipment:
1) Attach the humidifier to the threaded outlet To maintain the proper setting
of the flowmeter or regulator.
2) Connect the tubing from the simple mask
to the nipple outlet on the humidifier
3) Set the oxygen at the prescribed flowrate.
The oxygen must be flowing before you
apply the mask to the client
4. To apply the mask, guide the elastic strap This position will hold the mask most
over the top of the client's head. Bring the firmly
strap down to just below the client’s ears.
5. Gently, but firmly, pull the strap extensions The seal prevents leaks as much as possible
to center the mask on the client’s face with
a tight seal.
6. Make sure that the client is comfortable. Comfort helps relieve apprehension, and
lowers oxygen need
7. Remove and properly dispose of gloves. Respiratory secretions are considered
Wash your hands contaminated
8. Document the procedure and record the Documentation provides for coordination
client’s reactions. of care
9. Sign the chart and report the senior staffs To maintain professional accountability
10. Check periodically for depresses To assess the respiratory condition and find
respirations or increased pulse. out any abnormalities as soon as possible
11. Check for reddened pressure areas under The straps, when snug, place pressure on
the straps the underlying skin areas
Procedure: b. Nasal Cannula Method
Care action Rationale
1. Check doctor’s prescription including date, time, To avoid medical error
flowliter/minute and methods
2. Perform hand hygiene and wear gloves if To prevent the spread of infection
available
[Link] the purpose and procedures to the Providing information fosters the client’s
patient cooperation and allays his/her anxiety
[Link] equipments Organization facilitates accurate skill
performance
[Link] the oxygen equipment:
1)Attach the flow meter into the wall outlet or Humidification prevents drying of the nasal
oxygen cylinder mucosa
2)Fill humidifier about 1/3 with sterile water or To prevent entering dust from exist of
boiled water cylinder to the nostril
3)Blowout dusts from the oxygen cylinder
4)Attach the cannula with the connecting tubing to
the adapter on the humidifier
6. Test flow by setting flow meter at 2-3L/ minute Testing flow before use is needed to
and check the flow on the hand. provide prescribed oxygen to the client
7. Adjust the flowmeter’s setting to the ordered The flow rate via the cannula should not
flowrate. exceed 6L/m. Higher rates may cause
excess drying of nasal mucosa.
8. Insert the nasal cannula into client’s nostrils, Proper position allows unobstructed
adjust the tubing behinds the client’s ears and slide oxygen flow and eases the client’s
the plastic adapter under the client’s chin until he respirations
or she is comfortable.
[Link] sufficient slack in oxygen tubing To prevent the tubing from getting out of
place accidentally
[Link] the client to breathe through the nose Breathing through the nose inhales more
rather than the mouth and expire from the oxygen into the trachea, which is less likely
mouth to be exhaled through the mouth
11. Initiate oxygen flow To maintain doctor’s prescription and
avoid oxygen toxicity
12. Assess the patient’s response to oxygen and Anxiety increases the demand for oxygen
comfort level.
13. Dispose of gloves if you wore and perform To prevent the spread of infection
hand
hygiene
[Link] “No Smoking” signboard at entry into the The sign warns the client and visitors that
room smoking is prohibited because oxygen is
combustible
[Link] the following: Documentation provides coordination of
care
Date, time, method, flow rate, respiratory Sometimes oxygen inhalation can bring
condition and response to oxygen oxygen intoxication.
Documentation provides coordination of care To maintain professional accountability
Sometimes oxygen inhalation can bring oxygen
intoxication.
17. Report to the senior staff To provide continuity of care and confirm
the client’s condition
18. Check the oxygen setup including the water Sterile water needs to be added when the
level in the humidifier. Clean the cannula and level falls below the line on the
assess the client’s nares at least every 8 hours. humidification container.
Nares may become dry and irritated and
required the use of a water-soluble
lubricant.
In long use cases, evaluate for pressure
sores over ears, cheeks and nares.
