Oxygen Administration – Purpose,
Article used, Methods, Procedure
and Complication
Oxygen Administration
Introduction
Administration of oxygen is a process of providing the oxygen supply to child for the treatment of low concentrations of oxygen in the blood. Children with respiratory dysfunctions are treated with oxygen inhalation to relieve hypoxia. The oxygen administration treats the effects of oxygen deficiency but it does not correct the underlying disease.
Purpose
1. To manage the condition of hypoxia
2. To maintain the oxygen tension in blood plasma
3. To increase the oxy hemoglobin in red blood cells
4. To maintain the ability of cells to carry the normal metabolic function
5. To reduce the risk of complications
Common Indications
1. Cyanosis
2. Breathlessness or labored breathing
3. Anemia
4. Disease such as pulmonary edema, pneumonia and chest trauma etc
5. Environment with low oxygen concentration
6. Poisoning with chemicals that change the tissue ability to utilize oxygen
7. Hemorrhage
8. Shock and circulatory failure
9. Children who are under anesthesia
10. Asphyxia
Articles used for Oxygen Administration
1. oxygen source – oxygen cylinder/central supply
2. Oxygen application device – oxygen face mask, oxygen hood, nasal pongs, nasal catheters, oxygen tent or canopy.
3. Humidifier
4. Flow meter
5. Gauze pieces
6. Adhesive tapes
7. ‘No-smoking’ board
8. Spanner to remove main valve of oxygen supply
9. Bowl with water to check the patency the tube
Methods of oxygen administration
Administration of oxygen by nasal catheter
1. This is very common method of oxygen administration in hospital settings.
2. A catheter is inserted into the nostril reaching up to the vulva and is held in place by adhesive tapes.
3. The catheter does not interfere with children’s freedom to eat, talk and move on bed.
4. The catheter should be removed every 8 hourly and new one should be introduced.
5. Amount of oxygen should be 4 liters per minute.
Administration of oxygen by mask
1. By this method, child’s nose and mouth should be covered by oxygen mask.
2. The size of mask may vary and should be removed every four hours and wipe the face.
3. The flow of oxygen should be about 2-3 liters per minute for young children and 1-2 liters per minute for infants.
Administration of oxygen by tent method
1. This method consists of a canopy that covers the patient fully or partially.
2. It is made up of plastic or fiber, transparent and prevents absorption of oxygen.
3. The lower part of canopy should be tucked under the bed to prevent escape of oxygen.
Procedure
1. Verify written order for oxygen therapy, including methods of delivery and flow rate.
2. Wash hands.
3. Explain the procedure to client.
4. Assess the client for obstruction of the nasal passages by observing of breathing patterns.
5. If using a wall outlet as oxygen source, plug flow meter into outlet by pushing until it snaps into place.
6. Adjust the flow rate to the prescribed amount.
7. Gently position nasal prongs into client’s nares, with curves of prongs pointing toward the floor of the nostrils.
8. Loop the cannula tubing over the client’s ears; adjust the fit of the tubing by sliding the adjuster upward to hold the cannula in place.
9. Assess the client’s nares, face, and ears every 4 hours for signs of skin irritation or breakdown and document of findings. At the same time, inspect the nasal prongs for the presence of nasal secretions or crusts. If needed, wife the prongs clean with a gauze pad.
Complication of oxygen administration
1. Infection
2. Dryness of mucous membrane of respiratory tract.
3. Combustion (fire)
4. Oxygen toxicity
5. Atelectasis
6. Oxygen induced apnoea
7. Asphyxia
8. Retrolental fibroplasia.