|Oxygen Therapy Review|
The aim of oxygen therapy is to supplement the existing oxygen in the lungs which are usually low.
1. Obstructive airway diseases like asthma.
2. Congestive cardiac failure.
3. Severe hemorrhage leading to severe anemia.
4. Shock and collapse.
5. Asphyxia and suffocation.
6. Hyperpyrexic states as in thyrotoxicosis.
7. Pneumotoxic coli (distension of bowels due to air).
8. High altitudes as in the moon.
9. Pre-oxygenation in anesthesia.
10. Certain premature babies.
11. Hyperbaric oxygen is given in cases of:
(a) Gas gangrene.
(b) Carbon monoxide poisoning.
(c) Frost bote.
Methods of giving oxygen:
The method depends on the concentration of oxygen needed.
A. Low Concentration:-
2. Ambu bag.
3. Oxygen tent.
4. Head tent.
B. High Concentration:-
1. Nasal catheter.
2. MC mask, poly masks.
4. Anaesthetic machine.
5. Endotracheal tube.
COMPLICATIONS OF OXYGEN THERAPY
1. Risk of fire and explosion
2. In neonates, it causes retrolental fibroplasia, that is, the formation of the fibrovascular membrane posterior to the lens.
3. Afelectasis rapid absorption through the alveoli. or collapse of air vesicles of the lung can occur due to NO.4
4. Uncontrolled oxygen therapy may lead to emphysema.
5:Hyperbaric oxygen may cause convulsion.
ROLE OF THE NURSE IN OXYGEN THERA
1. Ensure that no naked light is brought nee the patient or the oxygen cylinder as the gas is highly inflammable.
2. No smoking is allowed.
3. in children wad, toys that sparkle should not be given to children receiving oxygen especially.
4. No vigorous combing of the hair near the: oxygen cylinder or patient as this may produce an electrostatic effect.
5. No rubbing of nylon material on the cylinder for fear of electrostatic effect.
6. Patient must be closely monitored.
7. Give only the prescribed concentration and aln bunt of oxygen.
8. Handle the oxygen cylinder carefully as the gas is under pressure.
9. Electrical apparatus close to the patient must be checked and maintained in safe working condition.
10. Alcohol and ether must not be applied to the kin of a patient receiving oxygen therapy.