Giving oxygen by nasal catheter.

There are different kinds of catheters
a) A fine catheter
b) A spectacle frame, which carries two, places of rubber tubing and is worn by the pt.
c) Two soft rubber catheters connected by y- shaped connection to the tube on O2 apparatus.

Equipment
- Oxygen cylinder with regulating valve and pressure tubing
- Wolf’s bottle
- Glass connection
- Fine catheters, lubricant, plaster
- Safety pin
- Tray containing a galipot of saline or water. Receiver for soiled applicators.

Procedure
1. Procedure is the same as giving oxygen by mask: (Procedure 1-4)
2. Connect the fine catheter with the pressure tubing. Turn on the fine adjustment to the required rate of flow the maximum liter flow being 6-7 litter /minute.
3. Catheter is lubricated preferably with water and passed backward into pharynx till the tip of the catheter is opposite the uvula. The catheter can also be inserted by measuring the distance from the patient's nose to his ear lobe. It is then taped in place. Never force catheter against an obstruction.

Note:
Oxygen catheter are removed every 8 hrs. and a clean catheter is inserted into the other nostril. Patient's receiving oxygen by catheter requires special mouth and nose care since the catheter tends to irritate the mucous membrane. Oxygen dries and irritates mucous membrane, therefore, should be passed through water (Humidified) before it is administered by catheter. The advantage of administration of oxygen by catheter is the freedom of movement that it gives to patients receiving oxygen. By this method patient can obtain about 50% concentration of oxygen.