Oxygen Unit Administration and Operation

Oxygen Administration and Operation

Oxygen Administration

• Oxygen use is indicated for most emergencies, except hyperventilation.
• Hypoxemia: Oxygen level in the blood is below normal.
• Administering oxygen increases blood oxygen levels and decreases patient effort to breathe.

Location of the Oxygen Unit

• The oxygen tank is located at the DH Clinic on the south end of the clinic near the Panorex Machine.

Parts of the Oxygen Unit

• Main components are outlined, and the basic structure remains the same even if oxygen tanks differ.

Oxygen Cylinder

• Stores the oxygen.
• Portable oxygen tanks are GREEN.

Regulator

• Comprised of 3 main components:
  • Oxygen outlet: Where the mask/tubing is attached.
  • Flow meter: Regulates oxygen delivered, recorded as liters per minute (LPM).
  • Pressure gauge: Indicates oxygen amount in cylinder; closest to the cylinder.

Cylinder Pressure Gauge

• Measures oxygen pressure (content) in the cylinder in pounds per square inch (psi).
• Pressure must be above 500 psi for accurate operation.
• Indicated by the orange zone on the gauge.

Flow Meter

• Regulates the amount of oxygen delivered to the patient.
• Oxygen flow is measured in liters per minute (LPM).
• Can be a long dial or round gauge.

Operating the Oxygen Tank

• Use the Oxygen tank evaluation as a guide.

Steps in Operation

• Attach tubing to oxygen outlet on the flow meter.
• Open the oxygen release valve.
  • The cylinder pressure gauge indicates the amount of oxygen in the cylinder.
  • Identify the PSI in the cylinder.
• Adjust the flow meter to 8-12 LPM.
  • The clinic's flow meter has a dial with on and off positions.
  • Turn the dial until the level reaches the 8-12 LPM range.

Facemask Placement

• Metal band of the mask is placed over the bridge of the patient's nose.
• Pinch slightly to ensure a snug fit.
• The elastic strap is placed around the back of the patient’s head to hold the mask securely in place.

Turning off the Oxygen Unit

• Close the oxygen release valve (the needle will slowly go down).
• Adjust the flow meter gauge to the off position.

Mask Disposal

• Dispose of the mask and tubing in the biohazard container in the clinic.
• Alert the clinical assistant/coordinator to replace the used equipment.

Documentation

• Indicate how much and how long oxygen was provided.
  • How much = LPM
  • How Long = # of minutes
  • Example: Administered 10 LPM of oxygen (O_2) for 15 minutes.