Latex Safety & Oxygen Administration (RADS 210)

Latex gloves are manufactured with...

powder that makes it easier to wear

research has found that starch powder released in air affects

asthma sufferers and individuals allergic to latex

for individuals allergic to latex:

their allergy is to proteins found in naturally occurring latex

The proteins in latex adhered to starch glove powder can be:

inhaled, ingested or cling to clothing causing a potential allergic reaction

Hospitals have replaced powdered latex gloves with:

nitrile gloves, high quality powder free gloves, use special coatings making gloves wearing easier and preventing the complications that powders can cause

natural rubber (NR) latex

a natural milky sap produced by a tropical rubber tree

-harmless to most people, but can cause serious health problems for those who are allergic, body reacts roe proteins

Reactions to latex products

- skin irritation

- chemical allergy

- natural rubber latex allergy

Causes and symptoms of skin irritation from latex

- repeated washing

- insufficient rinsing

- glove powder

dermatitis, dry/cracked skin, itchiness, hard red bumps

causes and symptoms of chemical allergy from latex products

repeated exposure to processing chemical used in latex manufacturing

-skin inflammation, puffiness, redness/itchiness usually occurs several hours after exposure or several days after exposure

Causes and symptoms of natural rubber latex allergy

repeated exposure to naturally occurring water soluble proteins in latex products

-inflamed itchy redness occurring within minutes of exposure; fading quickly when contact ends, watery eyes, runny nose, asthma like

symptoms of more severe reactions to natural rubber latex allergy

skin rashes, facial swelling, breathlessness, anaphylactic shock

How does one become allergic to latex!

-increased exposure to latex products

-Exposure occurs: skin contact, glove powders carrying latex protein are inhaled.

What is the treatment of latex allergy?

avoid latex products, there is no cure

Why do hospitals use natural rubber latex gloves?

they are very durable & provide the best barrier protection from infection, non latex gloves are used if the patient or healthcare worker have a NR latex allergy

High risk groups of latex allergy

-having numerous surgeries

-spinal cord or bladder birth defects

-occupational exposure (gloves)

-person or family history of allergies especially for a specific food group (avocados, bananas, raw potatoes, kiwi fruit, chestnuts)

what percent of the population may be sensitive or have an allergy to natural rubber latex?

1-6%

what percent of all healthcare workers may be sensitive or have an allergy to naturally occurring water rubber latex?

8-12%

The effectiveness of pulmonary function is most accurately measured by...

laboratory testing of arterial blood for concentrations of oxygen, CO2, bicarbonate, acidity, saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen

normal limits: pH

7.35-7.45

normal limits of PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide)

32-45 mmHg

normal limits of PaO2 (partial pressure of O2)

80-100 mmHg

normal limits of HCO (bicarbonate)

20-26 mEq/L

Normal Limit of SaO2 (saturation of hemoglobin with O2)

97%

Hypoxemia

when pulmonary function is disturbed the oxygen level in arterial blood becomes inadequate to meet the patients physiologic needs

Hypercapnea

carbon dioxide may be retained in the arterial blood

Pulse oximetry

measures the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2)

hemoglobin

iron-containing pigment in red blood cells that carries oxygen from lungs to tissues

normal limit for pulse oximetry

95-100

Oxygen is a...

medication and must be prescribed by a physician

excessive amounts of oxygen may produce...

toxic effects on the lungs and CNS or may depress ventilation

When giving oxygen special care should be given for patients with...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) because excessive oxygen can cause them to stop breathing

nasal cannula

has 2 hollow prongs that deliver O2 into the nostrils directly

how much O2 is given to an adult through the Nasal Cannula?

1-4 LPM

how much O2 is given to a child through the Nasal Cannula?

1/4 - 1/2 LPM

For patients in long term oxygen care O2 concentrations vary from...

21-60%

Nasal Catheter

tube for delivering oxygen that is inserted into one nostril until it reaches the oral pharynx, care given not to misdirect O2 intot he stomach

-not routinely used

The nasal catheter is used for what rate of O2 concentrations?

moderate to high

flow rate for a nasal catheter

1-5 LPM

Face Mask percentage of O2

30-50% because mask dose not fit tight against face

-used for short period of time

flow rate for face mask

no less than 5 LPM

Transtracheal delivery system

catheter inserted into the trachea-tubing connected to portable tank

Mechanical ventilators (respirators)

control (or partially) inspiration and expiration and oxygen administration.

usually on patients in ICU

Most common O2 delivery system

nasal cannula

Home O2 delivery

delivered as compressed gas, liquid, or oxygen concentrator (removes nitrogen,water vapor, and hydrocarbonates from room air.)

With an oxygen concentrator O2 in a Home O2 delivery sytem is delivered at what percent?

90%