Lesson 18
What is oxygen therapy?
administration of oxygen to increase the supply to the lungs
when a physician is writing in order to begin oxygen on a resident, what needs to be included?
amount method of delivery when it should be used
what safety concern must be addressed regarding the room and oxygen use?
any flammable items must be removed
method of delivery: portable oxygen appearance nursing considerations things to observe for
held within cylinder equipped with low meter and regulate must be kept upright in special case or holder (handle with care) must be on hand for power outages
what are some symptoms of shortness of breath?
high respiration rate, labored breathing, fatigue, and, in extreme cases, cyanosis
Mrs. Johnson is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula. What should you do to care for Mrs. Johnson's nose and the nasal cannula? How often should this nasal care be done?
i should get a soft, warm washcloth and wipe her nose and nasal cannula once per shift
how does the body respond to a lack of oxygen?
increasing rate and depth of respirations to get more oxygen into the blood
why is oxygen considered a drug?
it is considered a drug because it can be harmful and incorrect amounts
method of delivery: face mask appearance nursing considerations things to observe for
long plastic tube into mask that covers nose and mouth keep face clean and dry irritation around face mask
if a resident experiences shortness of breath, can a nursing assistant administer oxygen?
no because only nurses can administer oxygen
are nursing assistants allowed to adjust the flow of oxygen in a resident's room?
no, only nurses can (by doctor's orders) because oxygen is a drug
are nursing assistant's allowed to turn off oxygen?
only in emergency situations such as in a fire
what type of device changes air in the room into air with more oxygen?
oxygen concentrator
what are some safety precautions that need to be taken when working with oxygen?
remove fire hazards from resident's room don't use any electrical equipment don't use flammable products know how to turn off oxygen in emergency situations only
method of delivery: oxygen concentrator appearance nursing considerations things to observe for
sits on the floor and plugs into wall (normally used with nasal cannula) not usable during power outages see nasal cannula
what is one way to relieve shortness of breath?
supplemental oxygen administration
method of delivery: nasal cannula appearance nursing considerations things to observe for
two short prongs for nose; plastic tubing goes behind ears clean nostrils with soft washcloth at least once per shift irritation behind ears or in nostrils
what percentage of oxygen is in room air?
21%
