Oxygen Administration Devices Overview

Oxygen Administration Devices

• Nasal Cannula (Nasal Prongs):

  • Low oxygen concentrations, dependent on breathing rate and depth
  • Flows: 1L = 24% O2, 2L = 28% O2, 3L = 32% O2, 4L = 36% O2, 5L = 40% O2, 6L = 44% O2
  • Patient can move, eat, and talk while receiving oxygen
  • Most COPD patients tolerate 2 L/min flow
  • Disadvantages: Restless patients may dislodge prongs, risk of skin irritation on nares, ears, and cheeks. Flow rates above 3 L/min require humidification to prevent nasal dryness. Prongs should be curved downward when inserted in the nose; check frequently as patients tend to replace prongs incorrectly.

• Simple Face Mask:

  • Low to medium oxygen concentrations (35%-50%) achievable with 6-12 L/min flow
  • Provides adequate humidification and delivers oxygen quickly for short-term therapy
  • Disadvantages: Discomfort and risk of pressure necrosis, device must be removed for eating/drinking/medications. Wash and dry under the mask and wipe out the mask q 1-2 hours.

• Partial Rebreathing Mask:

  • Higher oxygen concentrations (40%-60%) at 6-10 L/min flow
  • Lightweight with a reservoir containing 100% oxygen for breathing, preventing limitations on exhaled CO2
  • Disadvantages: Risk of pressure necrosis with long-term use, cannot be used with high humidity.

• Non-rebreather Mask:

  • Highest oxygen concentrations (60%-90%) achievable
  • Delivers high oxygen concentration via one-way tabs preventing patient rebreathing exhaled CO2.
  • Disadvantages: Cannot be used with high humidity, flow rate must be sufficient to prevent bag deflation during inspiration. Mask must fit snugly. Straps at the ears may need to be padded to prevent irritation and possibly necrosis.

• Venturi Mask:

  • Delivers consistent FiO2 regardless of breathing pattern
  • Provides good humidification, good for delivering low, constant O2 concentrations to patients with COPD
  • Concentration and liter flow are marked on the mask (24%, 28%, 31%, 35%, 40%, 50% O2)
  • Disadvantages: Discomfort and risk of skin irritation. Must be removed for eating, drinking, and taking oral medications. Talking is muffled. Air ports must not be occluded. Check skin contact areas frequently.

• Transtracheal Catheter:

  • Delivers oxygen efficiently
  • Flow requirement is reduced (60%-80%) as increased time that oxygen is available from a portable source.
  • Less nasal irritation occurs due to the catheter being less visible.
  • Disadvantage: An invasive procedure, not appropriate for individuals with excessive mucus production; requires patient and family education about replacement. Catheter replacement is an invasive procedure. Not appropriate for someone with excessive mucus production.

Nursing Implications

• All masks: Ensure a snug fit, check skin under straps and at contact points for pressure necrosis. Wash and dry masks frequently.

• Nasal prongs: Ensure proper placement and curve downward when inserted, check regularly for proper placement.

• All masks: Remove for eating, drinking. and taking oral medications.

• Specific mask considerations: Adjust flow rate as needed; avoid use in high humidity environments for some masks. Flow of O2 should be high enough that the bag does not deflate. Check skin under straps frequently.

This quiz explores various oxygen administration devices such as nasal cannulas, simple face masks, and partial rebreathing masks. Learn about their oxygen concentrations, flow rates, advantages, and disadvantages in patient care. Perfect for healthcare professionals and nursing students.