UNIT FOUR
566
Clinical Skills and Care
Table 28.3 Types of Oxygen Sources
Type
Description
Piped-in oxygen
Found in health-care facilities with a wall outlet above the bed. The fl owmeter is inserted into the wall to access oxygen within the pipe (see Fig. 28.2). When the patient ambulates in the hall or is taken to other departments in the hospital, an E-cylinder is used. Large, green, heavy tanks that hold oxygen gas and must be exchanged for a full tank when empty. They usually are delivered by an oxygen supply or medical equipment company. The patient is connected to the tank with extension tubing, allowing for a limited area for ambulation. Small green or green and silver tank that holds oxygen gas and sits on a wheeled holder, allow- ing the patient mobility (see Fig. 28.3). It can be used when the patient leaves the hospital room, the home, or a facility and is wheeled alongside as he or she walks. When empty, it must be exchanged for a full tank. Removes some oxygen from room air and concentrates it for oxygen delivery of up to 4 L/min. Requires electricity to work and may increase the cost of the patient’s electric bill. Looks simi- lar to a piece of furniture. If the patient leaves home or a facility, a portable concentrator may be used. These run on batteries and can deliver either a continuous fl ow of oxygen or a pulse fl ow. Oxygen that is kept cold so that it is a liquid rather than a gas. A larger barrel-shaped tank con- tains the oxygen supply. A smaller stroller is fi lled from the large tank (see Fig. 28.4). It is light- weight and easy to carry with a shoulder strap. The contents of the stroller last up to 10 hours set on 2 L/min. Can be re fi lled from the main tank by the patient.
Oxygen tank
Oxygen E-cylinder
Oxygen concentrator
Liquid oxygen
Table 28.4 Oxygen Delivery Devices
Delivery Device
Liter Flow Description
Tips for Use
1–6 L/min
Delivers oxygen into the nares; patient can more easily eat and talk with it in place; patient must breathe mostly through the nose for full bene fi t.
Apply correctly. Nasal prongs curve inward when inserted into the nares, and tubing slips over the ears. The slider fi ts under the chin.
Nasal cannula
5–10 L/min
Delivers oxygen directly to the nose and mouth; patient may breathe through nose or mouth; fl ow rate less than 5 L/min will cause carbon dioxide to accumu- late in the mask.
May cause patient to feel claustro- phobic and hot; elastic straps hold mask in place and may irritate skin above the ears, causing pressure. Pad with gauze 4 × 4s if needed.
Simple face mask
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