Administering Oxygen by Nasal Cannula

Goal: The patient exhibits an oxygen saturation level within acceptable parameters.

1. Bring necessary equipment to the bedside stand or overbed table.

2. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

3. Identify the patient.

4. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room, if possible.

5. Explain what you are going to do and the reason for doing it to the patient. Review safety precautions necessary when oxygen is in use. Place “No Smoking” signs in appropriate areas.

6. Connect nasal cannula to oxygen setup with humidification, if one is in use. Adjust flow rate as ordered. Check that oxygen is flowing out of prongs.

7. Place prongs in patient’s nostrils. Place tubing over and behind each ear with adjuster comfortably under chin. Alternately, the tubing may be placed around the patient’s head, with the adjuster at the back or base of the head. Place gauze pads at ear beneath the tubing, as necessary.

8. Adjust the fit of the cannula, as necessary. Tubing should be snug but not tight against the skin.

9. Encourage patient to breathe through the nose, with the mouth closed.

10. Reassess patient’s respiratory status, including respiratory rate, effort, and lung sounds. Note any signs of respiratory distress, such as tachypnea, nasal flaring, use of accessory muscles, or dyspnea.

11. Remove PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.

12. Put on clean gloves. Remove and clean the cannula and assess nares at least every 8 hours, or according to agency recommendations. Check nares for evidence of irritation or bleeding.