1. Beverlyn Jackson, MSN, RN, CCRN Nursing Faculty

2. * Oxygen is considered a “drug” in the clinical setting and requires a written order to administer.

3. * Oxygen * Prescribed to relieve the s/s of Hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen in the blood)and Hypoxia (decreased tissue oxygenation). * The goal of oxygen therapy is to use the lowest fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) to obtain the most acceptable level of oxygen without causing the development of harmful side effects.

4. * Oxygen improves the PaO2 level; it doesn’t cure the condition or stop the disease process. * ABG’s (Arterial Blood Gas) are the best measure for determining the need for oxygen therapy and is also the best evaluation of the effectiveness of that therapy. (refer to ABG handout)

5. * Oxygen therapy is normally administered by a Respiratory Therapist in the acute and sub-acute settings.

6. * Complications of O2 Therapy * Hypercarbia * Oxygen Toxicity * Drying of mucous membranes

7. * Low Flow * Nasal Cannula * Simple Face Mask * Partial Rebreather Mask * Non Rebreather Mask

8. * High Flow * Venturi (Venti) Mask * Face tent * Aerosol Mask * Tracheostomy Collar * T-Piece

9. * IPPB, NPPV, BiPAP, CPAP

10. * Mini-Nebulizers or “Neb Med” treatments

11. * Reference * Iggy 8 th edition * (514-530) * Table 28-1 pg. 517 * Table 28-2 pg. 519