•Student will be able to explain the variousmethods of oxygen administration and the roleof the NA.
• Student will be able to list the safetyprecautions that must be implemented whenoxygen is in use.
Remember: Oxygen is Flammable
Requires a physician’s order= considered a med
Normal Room Air is approximately 21% oxygen andadequate for most people
If not, Oxygen is used to increase the supply ofoxygen to the lungs when a person has low oxygenlevels (<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 ofoxygen in the blood.
oxygen via nasal cannula
Long plastic tubing attached to oxygen source to 2 shortprongs that are placed into the nostrils and tubing placedaround 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 ortissue at least once per shift then replacen.c. taking care not to tighten tubing tootight up around neck (RCP69)
-Report to nurse if resident has anydiscomfort, SOB, skin irritation
oxygen via face mask
long plastic tubing attached to oxygen source to a maskshaped to fit over a person’s nose and mouth
NA Role:
-Check skin around strap and mask forirritation, report as necessary
-Keep face clean and dry
-Mask removed during meals (replacedwith n.c. temporarily)
•Talking more difficult and sound will bemuffled 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 withmore oxygen.
•Plugged into electrical outlet; therefore,not functional during power outages
•Not very portable from room to room, buttubing extensions can be utilized for shorterdistances within a room
NA Role:
-Be sure to change resident to alternate sourcein event(s) of a power outage
-Do not turn on or off unless you are trained todo so at your place of employment
-If humidifier bottle is used and low onwater/solution, notify the nurse
-Make sure concentrator is at least six inchesfrom a wall.
liquid oxygen
A device that is similar to a thermos and utilizes extreme coldto change oxygen from a gas to a liquid for administration
Used for short term portability at a lowerflow rate (usually 1-4 Liters)
NA Role:
-Be sure tank is not empty
-Know facility policy regarding NAfilling liquid tank/reservoir/vessel
-Do not touch liquid oxygen or frostedparts 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, orclosed-in space.
Do not cover reservoir with anything.
Do not touch frosted parts of equipment. Liquidoxygen can cause frostbite. Report leaks.
Vapors may be visible when filling a small reservoirwith a larger reservoir
portable oxygen
A cylinder that stores oxygen as a gas underpressure and is equipped with a flow meter andregulator to deliver oxygen
Used during power outages or fortransport, 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 notempty, 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 releasedinto 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 nightstand or nearby table
-Plug into an outlet being sure steam isn’t directly flowing ontoresident
-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 consistentpressure on inspiration and expiration via a special mask ornasal cannula
CPAP=delivers at a single level
BiPAP=changes delivery levelaccordingly to breathingpattern
**Settings are ordered by aphysician and can only bechanged by a nurse orRespiratory Therapist
ventilator
a machine that supports breathing for people unable tobreath on their own (Part of “Life support”)
•Mainly only used in hospitals
•Delivers Oxygen into the lungs,but also removes carbondioxide from the body
•Prescribed by physician andsettings only adjusted by anurse or Respiratory Therapist
1.True or False? NA’s may adjust flow of oxygen atthe request of a nurse if properly trained to do so.
2.Why should smoking not be allowed in areaswhere oxygen is used or stored
3.What type of device sits on the floor, plugs into awall and changes air in the room into air withmore oxygen?
4.When are NA’s allowed to turn off oxygen?
5.Why is it important to regularly clean vaporizersand humidifiers?