Administering Oxygen Therapy by Nasal Cannula

Assessment:

Check airway patency. Assess patient’s respiratory status. Observe breathing pattern. Observe for signs of hypoxia. Check the physician’s immediate status. Identify the types of oxygen source in the facility.

Planning:

Plan for any assistance needed. Choose the appropriate equipment for the method of oxygen administration ordered. Gather the materials needed, as follows: Flow meter, Lubricant, Regulator, Connecting tube, Humidifier, Humidity tent/croup tent, Oxygen catheter, self-inflating bag, Oxygen mask, Pulse Oximeter, Nasal catheter, Sterile water, and Oxygen tank. Wash your hands. Check the immediate environment.

Implementation:

Identify the patient. Carefully and calmly explain what you are going to do. Connect flowmeter to the oxygen source. Attach humidifier filled with sterile water. Attach humidifier filled with sterile water. Attach the oxygen supply tube to the cannula, catheter or mask. Turn on oxygen and test flow by placing over hand. Allow 3 to 5 L oxygen to flow through the tubing. Proceed to specific procedure you are using. Hold the cannula to the patient’s face and gently insert the prongs into the nostrils. Adjust straps either behind the head or around the ears and under the chin and tighten to comfort. Adjust the flow to the ordered level. Pad the area where the straps rub the top of the ears, if necessary.

Assess the effectiveness of the oxygen delivery. Explain safety precaution to the patient and significant others. Assess the patient’s nose and mouth and provides oronasal care. Stay with the patient. Post “oxygen in use” sign on the patient’s door. Check physician’s order to discontinue oxygen. Turn off the flow meter followed by the oxygen tank.

Evaluation:

Breathing pattern, regular and at normal rate. Pink color in nail, lips, conjuctiva, and eyes. No disorientation, confusion, difficulty with cognition. Patient resting comfortably. Laboratory measurement of arterial O2 concentration (PaO2) or Hgb O2 saturation (Hgsat) within normal limits.

Documentation:

Date and time O2 started. Method of delivery. Specific O2 concentration or flow rate in L/min. Subjective and objective