Oxygen Therapy

Describe the common signs and symptoms of hypoxia.

• Shortness of breath

• Cyanosis

• Sp0² less then 95%

• Restless

• Confuse

• Tachpnoea

Provide the reason for checking the prescribed rate of oxygen for a patient

• To check effectiveness of the treatment

• If given too much, it can cause oxygen toxicity

• If given too little, it can worsen the hypoxia

Provide the reason for checking the placement of nasal prong regularly.

• To maintain comfort

• To prevent displacement

• Ensure patient receives the correct amount of oxygen

Provide 3 purposes of oxygen therapy

• To relieve hypoxia

• To improve tissue oxygenation

• To reduce the workload of the cardiopulmonary systems.

State three potential hazard for oxygen therapy.

• Fire

• Infection

• Oxygen Toxicity

• Respiration Depression