Respiratory Support and Oxygen Therapy

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to respiratory support and oxygen therapy, focusing on definitions and important distinctions.

Oxygen (O₂)

A colorless, tasteless gas that is essential for human respiration, comprising about 21% of ambient air.

Goal of oxygen therapy

Ensure adequate O2 deliver to tissue. Reduce work of breathing and cardiac workload

What movement in arterial oxygen levels (PaO2) is an indication to administer oxygen?

Decrease

What movement in oxygen saturation levels (SaO2) is an indication to administer oxygen?

Decrease

What medical conditions could require administration of oxygen?

Heart failure, sepsis, fever, postoperative status, anemia

Hypoxemia

A decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the arterial blood, indicated by low PaO2 levels.

Hypoxia

A condition characterized by a decrease in oxygen supply to the tissues.

Acute hypoxia

Life threatening, may cause altered levels of consciousness. Oxygen hasn’t been reaching the brain, cells are not functioning.

Chronic hypoxia

Common in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure. M

Hypoxic Hypoxia

Hypoxia resulting from low arterial oxygen levels, often due to hypoxemia.

Ischemic Hypoxia

Hypoxia caused by inadequate blood flow to tissues, often from heart issues or shock.

Anemic Hypoxia

Hypoxia that occurs when there is insufficient hemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen.

Histotoxic Hypoxia

A type of hypoxia caused by the cells' inability to use oxygen, often due to toxins like cyanide.

What are clinical manifestations of hypoxemia?

Altered consciousness (restlessness, confusion, decreased alertness). Dyspnea. Increased blood pressure. Changes in heart rate. Extremities cold. Central cyanosis.

What must a nurse make sure before administering oxygen?

That she gets a medical order

What is our goal in oxygen administration?

To deliver the lowest effective concentration for adequate treatment before we reach potential adverse effects.

What is flow rate measured in?

Liters per minute (L/min)

Fire Hazard - Risk

To prevent avoid smoking, open flames, any flammable materials near oxygen sources.

Oxygen-Induced Hypoventilation - Risk

A condition where oxygen therapy can suppress the breathing in patients with chronic lung diseases such as COPD.

Oxygen Toxicity - Risk

Potential harm caused by administering high levels of oxygen (>50%) for extended periods (>48 hours), leading to lung injury resembling ARDS -acute respiratory distress syndrome.

What are symptoms of oxygen toxicity?

Dyspnea, dry cough, chest pain, gastrointestinal discomfort.

What is the rule of oxygen administration?

Longer exposure = greater risk of toxicity. May lead to respiratory and hemodynamic instability.

What is recommend with oxygen toxicity?

Treat underlying disease and avoid high O2 levels whenever possible.

Absorptive Atelectasis - Risk

Collapse of Alveolar, fraction of nitrogen inspiration decreased and oxygen fraction increased. Less of nitrogen mean alveoli loose ability to stay open. Discovered by decreased breath sounds.

Drying mucous membrane - risk

Happens from artificial air if it hasn’t been heated and humidified to protect mucous membranes. (Usually done naturally by upper airways)

Infection - Risk

Bacterial growth may be promoted by tubing and equipment due to heat and humidity.

How to prevent infection through oxygen administration?

Replace equipment as needed according to departmental protocol.

Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO₂)

The percentage of oxygen in the inhaled air, important in oxygen therapy.

Low flow oxygen systems

To provide supplemental oxygen to patients who breathe spontaneously

What are examples of utensils for low flow oxygen systems?

Nasal cannula. Simple face mask. Partial rebreather mask. Nonrebreather mask.

High flow oxygen systems

To provide reliable oxygen concentration, serving as the main oxygen source for the patient.

What are examples of utensils for high flow oxygen systems?

Venturi mask. Aerosol mask. Face tent. Vapotherm (high-flow nasal cannula). Tracheostomy collar. T-piece.

Nasal Cannula

A low-flow oxygen delivery device that allows patients to breathe oxygen while still able to eat and speak.

What should we make sure about when a patients on oxygen administration?

Position change every 8 hours to prevent irritation and infection. Flow rate above 4-6 L/min can dry mucous membranes.

Simple mask

Low to moderate oxygen concentration. Oxygen accumulates in mask between breaths. If flow stops patient can still breathe room air through side openings.

Nonrebreather Mask

Provides 10-15 L/min of oxygen (close to 100%) with a reservoir bag. Bag has one way valves allows oxygen out for inspiration and prevents back-flow during exhalation. Prevents room air from entering mask.

Venturi Mask

A high-flow oxygen delivery device that mixes a fixed flow of oxygen with room air for a precise FiO₂.

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Mechanical Ventilation

A method to assist or replace spontaneous breathing using devices like CPAP or endotracheal tubes.

Monitoring Parameters

Various metrics and observations that healthcare providers must track when administering oxygen to patients.

Hyperventilation

A condition where a person breathes rapidly, leading to an imbalance in carbon dioxide and oxygen levels.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels.

Dyspnea

Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, often indicating respiratory distress.

what can happen in oxygen toxicity?

It can lead to lung damage from excessive oxygen levels in the body. Resemble ARDS- acute respitory distress Syndrome.