Critical Thinking Case Study: O2 Therapy PDF

Critical Thinking Case Studies by Lorraine Guild Case Study #1: O2 Therapy Your resident Mrs. Blue has CHF and requires oxygen via Nasal Prongs at 2 LPM when she experiences shortness of breath on exertion (SOBE). Sometimes during her morning care, she becomes SOB and asks for her oxygen. You ha...

Critical Thinking Case Studies by Lorraine Guild Case Study #1: O2 Therapy Your resident Mrs. Blue has CHF and requires oxygen via Nasal Prongs at 2 LPM when she experiences shortness of breath on exertion (SOBE). Sometimes during her morning care, she becomes SOB and asks for her oxygen. You have been delegated this task by your nurse and feel comfortable doing this. It is connected to the wall outlet at her bedside. Problem solve and simulate this scenario with a mannequin while promoting DIPPS. What information do you need to obtain in report from the Team Leader before caring for Mrs. Blue? Answer: Ask for the resident’s LPM, ask if any ointment can be applied on face before using the nasal prongs for resident due to pressure on the skin, whether a nasal prongs or face mask should be used. Apply the nasal prongs connected to the Wall outlet. Where should the ball be "floating " Above the 2 line, below the 2 line or right in the middle ? Answer: It should be floating right in the middle of the ball. What would she need use if she went out on an outing? Where would you find it? Answer: She would need an oxygen tank. It would be found at the nursing station. What do you think would be more comfortable for Mrs. Blue, a nasal cannula or a mask? Why? Answer: Nasal prongs as it would be easier to eat and talk with. Where would you assess for skin breakdown if she was wearing a nasal cannula? Answer: The ears, the cheeks, chin and nostrils. How would you clean the prongs if there was a lot of nasal discharge in them and she complained that they were blocked? Answer: The prongs would be cleaned with gentle soap with warm water. What are the signs and symptoms of SOB and/or hypoxia that you would be assessing for? Answer: Dizziness, rapid pulse reading, confusion, anxiety, SOB, chest pain or tightness. She then starts showing signs of hypoxia and you call the nurse. The nurse checks her O2 sats and they are very low at 82 %. While she is in the room getting medication ready she delegates you to change the nasal prongs to a simple mask at 8/lpm. This is within your scope and you feel comfortable. What different observations will you be looking for when your client is wearing a face mask rather than a nasal cannula for O2 therapy? Answer: Being able to breath normally, resident being alert, no signs of dizziness, normal pulse reading, no complaint of chest pain or tightness.