Oxygen administration
Description
Used for hypoxemia resulting from a respiratory or cardiac emergency or an increase in metabolic function
In respiratory emergency, enables reduction of ventilatory effort by boosting alveolar oxygen levels
In a cardiac emergency, helps to meet the increased myocardial workload as the heart tries to compensate for hypoxemia
When metabolic demand is high, supplies the body with enough oxygen to meet its cellular needs
Usually required for a child who has a partial pressure of arterial oxygen less than 60 mm Hg or an oxygen saturation range of 89% to 92%
Useful in the patient with a reduced blood oxygen-carrying capacity (such as with carbon monoxide poisoning or sickle cell crisis)
Effectiveness determined by arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, oximetry monitoring, and clinical examinations
Administered through an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube during mechanical ventilation or via an anesthesia bag and mask; for a child breathing on his own, delivered via nasal cannula, an oxygen hood or tent, or mask
Most appropriate method of administration dependent on such factors as disease, physical condition, and age
Equipment
Oxygen source (wall unit, cylinder, liquid tank, or concentrator) ♦ flowmeter ♦ adapter, if using a wall unit, or a pressure-reduction gauge, if using a cylinder ♦ sterile humidity bottle and adapters ♦ sterile distilled water ♦“Oxygen Precaution” signs ♦ appropriate oxygen delivery system (nasal cannula, simple mask, partial rebreather mask, or nonrebreather mask for low-flow and variable oxygen concentrations, Venturi mask, aerosol mask) ♦ T tube ♦ tracheostomy collar ♦ tent or oxygen hood for high-flow and specific oxygen concentrations ♦ small-diameter and large-diameter connection tubing ♦ flashlight (for nasal cannula) ♦ water-soluble lubricant ♦ gauze pads ♦ tape (for oxygen masks) ♦ jet adapter for Venturi mask (if adding humidity) ♦ oxygen analyzer (optional)