Module 2: Oxygen Therapy

Question 1

NAII Regulations for Oxygen

Answer 1

NAII cannot initiation administration or change flow rates on patients; disconnecting and reconnecting oxygen sources at the same liter flow is not considered initiating administration

Question 2

3 waste products of human body

Answer 2

Urine, bowel waste, carbon dioxide (CO2)

Question 3

Hypoxemia

Answer 3

Condition in which there is insufficient oxygen in the blood

Question 4

High risk conditions for hypoxemia

Answer 4

Immobility, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, postoperative patients, sleep apnea, decreased level of consciousness, neuromuscular diseases, morbid obesity, Kyphoscoliosis (curvature of the spine)

Question 5

% of oxygen in atmosphere

Answer 5

21%

Question 6

Red blood cells

Answer 6

Give blood its red color; carry oxygen to cells and carry away CO2.

Question 7

Signs and symptoms of decreased oxygenation

Answer 7

Unusual skin color (dusky, pale, blue, or gray), unusual color of the lips, mucous membranes, nail beds, lining or roof of mouth, cool/clammy skin, irregular breathing, gasping for breath, changed mental status

Question 8

Oxygen as a prescription item

Answer 8

Requires a physician’s order to administer; order will specify how much oxygen to use and the method for delivery; do not start, top or change the flow rate of oxygen unless trained in this procedure

Question 9

Oxygen color-coding

Answer 9

Green label in the United States

Question 10

Long-term care delivery of oxygen

Answer 10

Use cylinders and concentrators

Question 11

Oxygen flow meter

Answer 11

Regulates the flow of oxygen; come in different sizes and shapes but work the same way; various cylinders use different gauges. flow rate is increased by turning the knob on the flow meter clockwise

Question 12

Oxygen concentrators

Answer 12

Convert room air into oxygen; typically used in long-term care facilities. A concentrator is ineffective for liter flows over 5

Question 13

Pressure gauge

Answer 13

connected to the flow meter on an oxygen cylinder; pressure gauge shows how much oxygen is in the cylinder. 02 is measured in pounds. most cylinders considered empty when pressure reaches 500 pounds.

Question 14

Humidifier

Answer 14

attached to the oxygen administration equipment if the patient’s liter flow exceeds 5 liters. Controversial use. Not necessary in liter flows below 5 liters. humidifier moistens oxygen for comfort and prevents drying of the mucous membranes. Must use sterile distilled water.

Question 15

2 types of humidifiers

Answer 15

1) prefilled and 2) refillable

Question 16

Prefilled humidifier

Answer 16

Commonly used in acute care hospitals

Question 17

Refillable humidifier

Answer 17

Washed with soap and water every 24 hours; sterilized and refilled with sterilized distilled water

Question 18

Oxygen administration devices

Answer 18

Cannulas and masks

Question 19

Nasal cannula

Answer 19

Small tube with two prongs that fit into the patient’s nostrils

Question 20

Simple mask

Answer 20

fits over the patient’s nose, mouth and chin; available in adult and pediatric sizes. Necessary when high liter flows of oxygen are ordered. May also be used for mouth-breathers. A mask should not be used with liter flows under 5 because it may cause rebreathing of patient’s exhaled CO2.

Question 21

Nonbreathing mask

Answer 21

Mask is used for patients with severe hypoxemia. Has one-way plastic flaps on the sides. Exhalations escape through the flaps but outside air cannot enter. Reservoir bag is attached to bottom of mask; helps increase oxygen delivery. Should be inflated at all times.

Question 22

Air-entrapment mask

Answer 22

Also called Venturi mask, venti maskA and high airflow with oxygen enrichment (HAFOE) mask; has large piece of plastic tube at the bottom. Mask mixes oxygen with room air to obtain percentage of oxygen ordered by doctor.

Question 23

Safety precautions

Answer 23

Keep sources of ignition out of the room, (matches, lighters, cigarettes and some electrical appliances); avoid using wool and synthetic blankets; avoid using petroleum based lubricants

Question 24

Capillary refill

Answer 24

Identifies how well the cells are using oxygen