Oxygenation

• Nasal cannulas:

  • Placed in both nostrils
  • Flow rate: 1-6 liters per minute
  • Fraction of inspired air: 24-44%
• Simple face mask:

  • Covers mouth and nose
  • No bag
  • Flow rate: 5-8 liters per minute
  • Fraction of inspired air: 40-60%
• Partial rebreather:

  • Covers mouth and nose
  • Has a bag to allow patient to breathe in part of their CO2
  • Flow rate: 10-15 liters per minute
  • Fraction of inspired air: 35-50%
• Nonrebreather:

  • Similar to simple face mask
  • Flow rate: 10-15 liters per minute
  • Fraction of inspired air: 80-95%
• Venturi mask:

  • Covers mouth and nose
  • Flow rate and fraction of inspired air can be controlled by changing the color of the valve
• High flow nasal cannula:

  • Goes into both nostrils
  • Flow rate: 5-40 liters per minute
  • Fraction of inspired air: 100%
• Nasal cannula usage:

  • For people with chronic respiratory conditions that make it difficult to breathe
• Simple face masks usage:

  • For people with chest pain, dizziness, and minor hemorrhages
  • Patients can breathe on their own
• Partial rebreather usage:

  • For patients needing a high supply of oxygen
  • Patients can breathe on their own but don't need as concentrated air
  • Breathing CO2 stimulates breathing
• Nonrebreather usage:

  • For emergency situations where patients can breathe on their own but need a higher level of oxygen
  • Used for conditions like smoke inhalation
• Venturi mask usage:

  • Used on patients on respiratory therapy who need to adjust oxygen concentration
• Respiratory distress signs:

  • Wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, tripod position, sweating, change in skin color
• Respiratory distress interventions:

  • Give supplemental oxygen, spirometer, flutter valve, pursed lip breathing
• Early signs of hypoxemia:

  • Anxiety, restlessness, high heart rate, confusion, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath
• Late signs of hypoxemia:

  • Loss of consciousness, cyanosis, change in skin color
• Acute signs of hypoxemia:

  • Anxiety, restlessness, high heart rate, confusion, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, cyanosis, change in skin color
• Chronic signs of hypoxemia:

  • Pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure, skeletal muscle confusion
  • Signs are not as visible due to the body compensating for lack of oxygen over time