Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that provides a person with supplemental oxygen. Its purpose is to increase oxygen levels in the lungs and bloodstream. This guide is for informational purposes; oxygen is a medication and should only be administered under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional.
Recognizing the Need for Supplemental Oxygen
A person with hypoxia, or insufficient oxygen, may show several signs. Common indications include rapid, shallow breaths or a feeling of being unable to catch one’s breath. The body may try to compensate with a fast heart rate as it works harder to circulate oxygenated blood.
Hypoxia can also affect a person’s mental state, causing confusion, restlessness, or disorientation. A bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds, known as cyanosis, is a late sign and signals a medical emergency. The person might need to sit upright to breathe and may be unable to speak in full sentences.
A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive clip, usually placed on a fingertip, that measures blood oxygen saturation. Normal levels for a healthy adult are between 95% and 100%. A level below 92% is considered hypoxic and requires medical assessment. For individuals with chronic conditions like COPD, the target range may be lower, often 88% to 92%, as determined by their doctor.
Types of Oxygen Delivery Equipment
Medical oxygen is supplied from two main sources: concentrators or compressed gas cylinders. An oxygen concentrator is an electrical device that pulls in air, filters out nitrogen, and delivers purified oxygen. These machines are common for in-home use because they do not need refilling, but they require a consistent power source.
Compressed oxygen tanks are used for portability or as a backup during power outages. These metal cylinders contain pure oxygen stored under high pressure and come in various sizes. Unlike concentrators, tanks have a finite supply and must be refilled or replaced when the pressure gauge runs low.
Oxygen is delivered from the source to the person through a nasal cannula or a face mask. A nasal cannula has two small prongs that are inserted into the nostrils and is used for lower, controlled oxygen flow.
For those needing higher concentrations of oxygen, face masks are used. A simple mask fits over the nose and mouth, while a non-rebreather mask has a reservoir bag to deliver a higher percentage of pure oxygen with each breath.
Step-by-Step Administration Guide
Wash your hands with soap and water to minimize infection risk. First, prepare the oxygen source. If using an oxygen concentrator, plug it into a grounded outlet and turn it on, allowing a few minutes for it to reach the correct oxygen concentration.
If using a compressed oxygen tank, check the pressure gauge to ensure there is an adequate supply. Securely attach the regulator to the cylinder’s valve by aligning the pins and tightening the T-handle by hand.
Attach one end of the plastic tubing to the nipple adapter on the concentrator or regulator. Next, set the flow rate by turning the knob on the flow meter until the small ball is centered on the number prescribed by the healthcare provider. This flow rate must be set exactly as prescribed and never altered without medical instruction.
Connect the other end of the tubing to the delivery device. Gently apply the device to the person. For a nasal cannula, insert the prongs into the nostrils and loop the tubing over the ears, adjusting the slide under the chin for a secure fit. If using a face mask, place it over the nose and mouth and secure it with the elastic strap.
Essential Safety Protocols
Handling oxygen requires strict safety protocols because it greatly accelerates combustion, causing fires to burn hotter and faster. A no-smoking policy, including electronic cigarettes, must be enforced in any room where oxygen is used or stored.
Certain products and conditions create a fire hazard and must be avoided.
- Keep oxygen equipment at least five to ten feet away from any heat source, such as open flames, gas stoves, candles, or electric heaters.
- Avoid using any oil-based or petroleum-based products, like petroleum jelly or certain lotions, on the face or upper chest. Water-based lubricants are a safe alternative.
- Do not use aerosol sprays, such as hairspray or air fresheners, near the person or the oxygen equipment.
- Store compressed oxygen tanks upright and secure them in a stand or cart to prevent them from falling over, which could damage the cylinder and cause a leak.
Monitoring the Person Receiving Oxygen
After starting oxygen, observe the individual for improvement. Positive changes include easier breathing, a slower respiratory rate, and improved skin color. The person may also become more alert and report feeling less short of breath.
While monitoring, also watch for potential side effects from the equipment. A nasal cannula can cause dryness or nosebleeds, which may be alleviated with a water-based lubricant or a humidifier bottle if approved by a provider. A face mask can cause skin irritation, so check the skin regularly and ensure the mask fits well without being too tight.
Contact a healthcare provider if the person’s symptoms do not improve or worsen despite the oxygen therapy. Increased confusion, worsening shortness of breath, or a drop in oxygen saturation levels are all reasons for immediate medical consultation. You should also seek professional assistance for any equipment malfunction.