Oxygen Therapy devices

Fill in the blank: The device shown in the image is used for _________.

• Delivering a nebulizer treatment.

• Giving oxygen.

• Encouraging the client to take deep breaths.

• Giving anesthesia medication prior to surgery.

Answer explanation

This is a hand held nebulizer (HHN). It is used to deliver a breathing treatment. The treatment may include medication such as albuterol and ipratropium.

There is also a mask that can be attached rather than the mouth piece for a client that is sleepy.

These can be set up by a respiratory therapist (that is a person in your microsystem) but nurses can also learn how to set them up and administer the medication.

What is the flow rate range (in liters) for a Nasal Cannula?

• 0.5-6 Liters

• 8-15 Liters

• 10-20 Liters

• 6-12 Liters

At what flow rate should humidification be added to a Nasal Cannula?

• If over 4 L/min

• If under 2 L/min

• When over eight L/min

• If less than 3 L/min

Answer explanation

Humidification helps keep the nasal passages from drying out.

The liter flow of a nasal cannula is .5 to 4 L/min.

Humidification should be added when the liter flow is over 4 L/min.

The End Tidal CO2 (ETCO2) Nasal Cannula is used for Capnography monitoring.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The ETCO2 nasal cannula is used to monitor exhaled carbon dioxide. It is attached to an ETCO2 cartridge that is attached to an IV pump/brain.

This will be used during procedures. Often sedative medication such as narcotics or benzodiazepines are used as conscious sedation for procedures. If a client is not breathing enough, their ETCO2 will rise. This is because they are not "blowing off" their carbon dioxide.

What is the primary purpose that this machine setup is used for ?

• To deliver intravenous IV fluids.

• To deliver enteral nutrition.

• To deliver narcotic pain medication.

• To deliver non steroidal anti inflammatory medications.

Answer explanation

This is a PCA machine setup. This stands for Patient Controlled Analgesia.

The SPO2 and ETCO2 are cartridges that can be added onto the brain of the pump. They are safety device for monitoring.

PCA machines are used to deliver narcotic pain medications.

Enteral feeding is feeding through the GI tract. This would be tube feeding, which is done with a different device.

What is the flow rate range for a Simple Face Mask?

• 1-4 Liters

• 5-8 Liters

• 10-15 Liters

• 20-25 Liters

What is the most appropriate oxygen delivery device for a client who is sleepy, breathing through their mouth with an oxygen saturation of 90%?

• Venturi mask at 50% FIO2

• Nasal cannula

• Non-rebreather mask

• Oxymask

Answer explanation

A person with an oxygen saturation of 90% only needs a small amount of oxygen to get their SPO2 up to 92-94%. The most appropriate choice is an oyxmask.

If they are breathing through their mouth (which often happens when a person is sleepy), a nasal cannula would not be the best choice.

A non rebreather is too much oxygen. A precise FIO2 is not needed. Therefore a venturi mask is not the most appropriate choice.

The Oxymask is thought to have less ______ retention.

• Carbon Dioxide - CO2

• Oxygen - O2

• Nitrogen - N

• Helium - He

Answer explanation

The vented/holes in the mask are thought to let CO2/carbon dioxide escape so the client will retain less CO2.

The flow rate for on oxymask is 1-15 L/min.

What is unique about the venturi mask?

• It is the only mask that lets you dial in a precise FIO2 of oxygen.

• It gives the most oxygen of an of the masks.

• It is only for pediatric clients.

• It is used to deliver breathing treatments.

Answer explanation

A venturi mask may be used for all pediatrics as pictured and adults.

It is the only "regular mask" device in which the oxygen is ordered and delivered in FIO2% rather than L/min.

It can be good for COPD clients. This is because you want to deliver a precise flow so as not to "knock out" their drive to breathe.

It can also be used to more precisely wean clients off higher oxygen flows/devices.

What is the typical oxygen flow rate for a Non-Rebreather Mask?

• 10-15 liter flow

• 2-4 liter flow

• 4-6 liter flow

• 1-2 liter flow

Answer explanation

High liter flow. This device must have the bag inflated.

This deliver a lot of oxygen and should be used for a client in distress. An example would be a client with labored breathing, and low oxygen sats.

This would be the last oxygen mask before more advanced methods such as Airvo or intubation.