Oxygen Delivery Systems Overview

Oxygen Delivery Systems

• Regulator and Flow Meter:
  • Cylindrical device attaching to oxygen tanks, featuring dial or gauge indicators.
  • Flow rates range from zero to the tank's maximum capacity.
  • Regulates and measures oxygen flow to patients, essential for precise delivery.
  • Requires regular checks for accuracy and leaks.
  • Used when a patient needs supplemental oxygen therapy.

Nasal Cannula

• Appearance: Thin, flexible tubing with two prongs for nostrils.
• Flow Rates: 1.25-6 liters per minute for adults, up to 2 liters per minute for infants in low-flow systems.
• FiO2: (Fraction of inspired oxygen) 22%-40%.
• Key Information:
  • Used for low-flow oxygen delivery suitable for adults, children, and infants who do not require high levels of oxygen.
  • May cause nasal dryness or discomfort over time.

Simple Face Mask

• Appearance: Plastic mask covering the nose and mouth.
• Flow Rates: 5-10 liters per minute with a reservoir system.
• Key Information:
  • Used for low-flow oxygen delivery for patients who do not require high levels of oxygen, but not in distress.
  • Suitable for adults.
  • May cause nasal dryness or discomfort over time.

Non-Rebreather Mask

• Appearance: Mask with a reservoir bag and one-way valves.
• FiO2: 35%-50%
• Key Information:
  • Provides a higher oxygen concentration than a nasal cannula.
  • Used in emergencies or post-surgery for adults, children and infants.
  • Needs monitoring for adequate fit and seal.
  • Requires removal while eating.

Partial Rebreather Mask

• Flow Rates: Reservoir system with a minimum of 10 liters per minute to prevent bag collapse on inhalation.
• FiO2: 60%-80%
• Key Information:
  • Delivers high oxygen concentrations to patients in respiratory distress.
  • Suitable for adults, children and infants.
  • Must be removed while eating.

Air Entrainment Mask (Venturi Mask)

• Appearance: Mask with adjustable oxygen dilution valves.
• Flow Rates: Minimum output 6 liters per minute, input varies based on ports.
• FiO2: 24%-50%.
• Key Information:
  • Precise control over oxygen concentration.
  • Useful for COPD patients needing stable oxygen levels.
  • Requires careful adjustment and monitoring.
  • Limited to adults, uncomfortable and noisy.

Aerosol Mask

• Appearance: Plastic mask with tubing for aerosol mist delivery.
• Key Information:
  • Delivers medications like bronchodilators and humidification for asthma or COPD attacks.
  • Ensures proper fit to prevent leaks; regular cleaning required to prevent infection.

Tracheostomy Collar

• Appearance: Collar with tubing attached to a tracheostomy site.
• Key Information:
  • Enables long-term ventilation, assisting with airway obstruction removal and secretion management.
  • Supplies humidified air or oxygen directly to the tracheostomy.

T-Piece

• Appearance: Device with one end connected to an oxygen source, another to the patient, and an open port.
• Key Information:
  • Delivers humidified air or oxygen for weaning patients off mechanical ventilation..
  • Used during ventilator weaning for patients needing ventilatory support.

Small Volume Nebulizer

• Appearance: Handheld device with a medication chamber and mouthpiece or mask.
• Key Information:
  • Delivers aerosolized medication directly to the lungs.
  • Suitable for short, frequent treatments for asthma or COPD patients.
  • Requires cleanliness and proper medication dosing.

Large Volume Nebulizer

• Appearance: Larger than a small volume nebulizer, with increased capacity.
• Key Information:
  • Used for humidification or prolonged treatments.
  • High humidity levels aid in secretion clearance.
  • Suitable for tracheostomy patients or those with thickened secretions.
  • Requires more maintenance and monitoring.

Bubble Humidifier

• Appearance: Humidifier with a diffuser creating bubbles in water.
• Key Information:
  • Provides moisture to dry oxygen flow, especially when flow is greater than 4L/min.

Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME)

• Appearance: Compact device placed inline with the ventilator circuit.
• Key Information:
  • Captures moisture and heat from exhaled air, returning it to inhaled air.
  • Maintains airway humidity for intubated or tracheostomy patients.
  • Reduces the need for external humidifiers.
  • Needs regular replacement for efficiency and is susceptible to airway dryness.

This quiz covers various oxygen delivery systems, including the regulator and flow meter, nasal cannula, and simple face mask. Learn about their appearances, flow rates, and key information necessary for patient care. Test your knowledge on supplemental oxygen therapy and its applications.