NSG201D O2 THERAPY

Flashcards covering assessment, positioning, oxygen therapy methods, and potential complications related to respiratory distress.

Respiratory Distress Assessment

Assessment includes checking

1. respiratory rate,

2. depth,

3. pattern,

4. effort;

5. SpO₂;

6. use of accessory muscles,

7. nasal flaring,

8. positioning;

9. reviewing medical history for chronic conditions, allergies, and irritant exposure.

Positions for Respiratory Distress

Positions such as Semi-Fowler’s or High-Fowler’s promote lung expansion and ease breathing. Frequent repositioning prevents pressure ulcers and atelectasis.

Indications for Oxygen Therapy

Indications include

1. hypoxemia (low oxygen levels),

2. respiratory distress or failure,

3. COPD exacerbations,

4. post-operative oxygen support,

5. cardiac arrest,

6. trauma.

Low-Flow Nasal Cannula

Used for mild hypoxia, with a

1. flow rate of 2–4 L/min,

2. delivers 24%–40% FiO₂,

3. risk of nasal dryness at higher rates.

Hudson Mask

Used for moderate oxygen needs, with a

1. flow rate of 6 L/min to prevent CO₂ rebreathing,

2. delivers 35%–60% FiO₂.

Nebuliser Mask

• Used to deliver aerosolised medications like bronchodilators,

• flow rate of 6–8 L/min,

• humidifies and delivers medication directly to the lungs.

Non-Rebreather Mask

Used for severe hypoxia or emergency oxygenation,

1. a flow rate of 10–15 L/min,

2. delivers up to 100% FiO₂,

3. has a reservoir bag and one-way valves to prevent inhalation of exhaled air.

Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) Ventilation

Used in emergencies or unresponsive patients to provide ventilation,

1. a flow rate of 15 L/min,

2. delivers 100% FiO₂

3. attached reservoir, and requires manual squeezing of the bag to ventilate the patient.

Complications of Oxygen Therapy

Complications include

1. oxygen toxicity (from prolonged high FiO₂),

2. dry mucous membranes,

3. reduced respiratory drive in CO₂

4. retainers,

5. absorption atelectasis,

6. infection risk from unclean equipment.

Hypoventilation

A state of reduced respiratory rate or depth, leading to CO₂ retention and low O₂ levels.

Oxygen Toxicity

Caused by prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations, leading to free radical damage. Symptoms include

Symptoms of oxygen toxicty

1. chest pain,

2. cough,

3. shortness of breath,

4. vision changes,

5. seizures (in severe cases).