Overview

Oxygen Therapy is a therapeutic procedure used to provide supplemental oxygen to patients with hypoxemia or respiratory insufficiency.

Oxygen therapy is crucial for treating hypoxemia, improving tissue oxygenation, and supporting patients with respiratory conditions.

Indications

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen saturation

Respiratory Failure

Inadequate oxygenation

Shock

Tissue hypoxia

COPD Exacerbation

Chronic respiratory disease

Postoperative Care

Surgical recovery

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

Patient refusal

Relative Contraindications

CO2 retention
Oxygen toxicity risk

📋 Equipment Checklist

Check off items as you gather them:

Pre-procedure Preparation

Preparation includes patient assessment, equipment setup, and understanding oxygen delivery systems.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Patient Assessment

Assess oxygen saturation and respiratory status.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate assessment
  • Missed hypoxemia

💡 Pro Tip:

Check SpO2 and respiratory rate.

Step 2: Equipment Setup

Set up oxygen delivery system.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Wrong setup
  • Poor connection

💡 Pro Tip:

Check all connections.

Step 3: Device Selection

Choose appropriate delivery device.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Wrong device
  • Poor fit

💡 Pro Tip:

Select based on oxygen needs.

Step 4: Flow Rate Setting

Set appropriate oxygen flow rate.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Wrong flow
  • Inadequate delivery

💡 Pro Tip:

Start with low flow.

Step 5: Device Application

Apply device properly to patient.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor fit
  • Discomfort

💡 Pro Tip:

Ensure comfortable fit.

Step 6: Monitoring

Monitor oxygen saturation and clinical response.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate monitoring
  • Missed complications

💡 Pro Tip:

Monitor continuously.

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Post-procedure Care

Post-procedure care involves monitoring oxygen saturation, adjusting flow rates, and assessing clinical response.

Complications & Management

Complication Incidence Signs Management Prevention
Oxygen toxicity 1-2% Chest pain, cough Reduce FiO2 Limit high FiO2
CO2 retention 2-5% Drowsiness, confusion Reduce flow, monitor Monitor CO2
Skin irritation 5-10% Redness, pressure sores Reposition, padding Proper fitting
Drying of mucosa 10-20% Dry mouth, nose Humidification Use humidifier

Clinical Pearls

💡

Start with lowest effective flow rate.

🎯

Monitor SpO2 continuously.

Use appropriate delivery device.

🔍

Assess clinical response.

📊

Document flow rate and response.

🎨

Ensure patient comfort.

⚠️

Wean oxygen when possible.