Student will be able to explain the various methods of oxygen administration and the role of the NA. Student will be able to list the safety precautions that must be implemented when oxygen is in use. Remember: Oxygen is Flammable

 Requires a physician’s order= considered a med  Normal Room Air is approximately 21% oxygen and adequate for most people  If not, Oxygen is used to increase the supply of oxygen to the lungs when a person has low oxygen levels (<95%)  Normal blood oxygen is between 95% and 100%, but it can differ. (AKA: pulse ox, O2 saturation) pulse oximeter a noninvasive device that uses a light to determine the amount of oxygen in the blood.

oxygen via nasal cannula Long plastic tubing attached to oxygen source to 2 short prongs that are placed into the nostrils and tubing placed around the ears to secure in place. NA Role: -Observe for irritation behind the ears, around the nose, face and neck -Clean nostrils with a soft washcloth or tissue at least once per shift then replace n.c. taking care not to tighten tubing too tight up around neck (RCP69) -Report to nurse if resident has any discomfort, SOB, skin irritation

oxygen via face mask long plastic tubing attached to oxygen source to a mask shaped to fit over a person’s nose and mouth NA Role: -Check skin around strap and mask for irritation, report as necessary -Keep face clean and dry -Mask removed during meals (replaced with n.c. temporarily) Talking more difficult and sound will be muffled compared to nasal cannula. Higher levels of oxygen can be administered Can be utilized for mouth breathers

oxygen concentrator a box-like device that changes air in the room into air with more oxygen. Plugged into electrical outlet; therefore, not functional during power outages Not very portable from room to room, but tubing extensions can be utilized for shorter distances within a room NA Role: -Be sure to change resident to alternate source in event(s) of a power outage -Do not turn on or off unless you are trained to do so at your place of employment -If humidifier bottle is used and low on water/solution, notify the nurse -Make sure concentrator is at least six inches from a wall.

liquid oxygen A device that is similar to a thermos and utilizes extreme cold to change oxygen from a gas to a liquid for administration Used for short term portability at a lower flow rate (usually 1-4 Liters) NA Role: -Be sure tank is not empty -Know facility policy regarding NA filling liquid tank/reservoir/vessel -Do not touch liquid oxygen or frosted parts of liquid oxygen vessels/reservoir -Avoid facial contact with vapors

NAs should know the following about liquid oxygen:  Turn off supply valves when reservoir is not in use.  Do not tip reservoir on its side.  Make sure reservoir is not in a closet, cupboard, or closed-in space.  Do not cover reservoir with anything.  Do not touch frosted parts of equipment. Liquid oxygen can cause frostbite. Report leaks.  Vapors may be visible when filling a small reservoir with a larger reservoir

portable oxygen A cylinder that stores oxygen as a gas under pressure and is equipped with a flow meter and regulator to deliver oxygen Used during power outages or for transport, maybe to and from meals NA Role: -Keep tank upright at all times -Handle with care -Be sure it is secure and wont tip -Check to be sure tank is not empty, if so notify nurse

Prescribed for lung congestion for various chronic respiratory conditions vaporizers a device that heats water until it turns into hot steam and released into the air humidifiers a device that creates a cool mist and released into the air NA Role: -Drain and clean them periodically per facility policy -Prepare according to manufacturers guidelines, place on night stand or nearby table -Plug into an outlet being sure steam isn’t directly flowing onto resident -Check water level frequently and refill PRN

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) respiratory ventilation to treat breathing disorders (COPD, sleep apnea, pulmonary edema) and supply a consistent pressure on inspiration and expiration via a special mask or nasal cannula CPAP=delivers at a single level BiPAP=changes delivery level accordingly to breathing pattern **Settings are ordered by a physician and can only be changed by a nurse or Respiratory Therapist

ventilator a machine that supports breathing for people unable to breath on their own (Part of “Life support”) Mainly only used in hospitals Delivers Oxygen into the lungs, but also removes carbon dioxide from the body Prescribed by physician and settings only adjusted by a nurse or Respiratory Therapist

1. True or False? NA’s may adjust flow of oxygen at the request of a nurse if properly trained to do so. 2. Why should smoking not be allowed in areas where oxygen is used or stored 3. What type of device sits on the floor, plugs into a wall and changes air in the room into air with more oxygen? 4. When are NA’s allowed to turn off oxygen? 5. Why is it important to regularly clean vaporizers and humidifiers?