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.
Learn more in our comprehensive RxDx Medicine Course
Indications
Low oxygen saturation
Inadequate oxygenation
Tissue hypoxia
Chronic respiratory disease
Surgical recovery
Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
Relative Contraindications
📋 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.