Administering Oxygen

Procedure of Administering Oxygen

Equipment
■ Oxygen source.
■ Flow meter.
■ Oxygen tubing.
■ Nasal cannula, oxygen mask, or face tent.
■ Prefilled humidification device.

Assessment
■ Assess patient’s understanding of oxygen therapy.
■ Assess:
■ Respiratory status, including rate, depth, and rhythm.
■ Breath sounds.
■ Color.
■ Capillary refill and pulse oximetry results.
■ Assess nares for patency (if a nasal cannula is being used) and behind the ears for signs of skin breakdown.

Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Assess respiratory rate, depth, and effort.
■ Auscultate breath sounds before leaving the bedside, then monitor
every 2 to 4 hours, and as indicated.
■ Monitor pulse oximetry until respiratory status improves.
■ Monitor ABG results if prescribed.
■ Evaluate for skin breakdown, especially areas behind the ears, cheekbones, and under the chin—areas that are in contact with the oxygen delivery system.

Key Points
■ Attach the flow meter to the oxygen source. Attach a humidifier to the flow meter, as needed.
■ Assemble and apply the oxygen equipment according to the device prescribed (nasal cannula, face mask, or face tent).
■ Attach the delivery device to the humidifier or the adapter, then put it on the patient:
■ Nasal cannula: Nose prongs should curve downward; loop the tubing around each ear; use the slide device to tighten the cannula under the chin.
■ Face mask: Secure the elastic band around the back of the head.
■ Face tent: Secure like face mask; be sure it fits under the chin.
■ Turn on the oxygen using the flow meter, and adjust according to the prescribed flow rate.
■ Double check that the oxygen equipment is set up correctly and functioning properly.
■ Be Safe! Assess the patient’s respiratory status before you leave the bedside.

Documentation
■ Document:
■ Date, time, and reason oxygen therapy was initiated.
■ Type of oxygen delivery system used.
■ Amount of oxygen administered.
■ Patient’s response to oxygen therapy.
■ Record:
■ VS.
■ Pulse oximetry values.
■ Breath sounds.
■ Skin color.
■ Respiratory effort.

Nasal cannula

Face mask

Face tent