Oxygen therapy supports life and supports combustion. While there are many benefits to inhaled oxygen, there are also hazards and side effects. Anyone involved in the administration of oxygen should be aware of potential hazards and side effects of this medication. Oxygen should be administered cautiously and according to the safety guidelines listed in Table 5.4. Table 5.4 Oxygen Safety Guidelines for Home and Hospital Additional Information Oxygen is essential to life, but as a drug it has both a maximum positive benefit and an accompanying toxicity effect. The toxic effects from oxygen therapy can occur based on the condition of the patient and the duration and
intensity of the oxygen therapy. For example, with normal lung function, a stimulation to take another breath occurs when a patient has a slight rise in PaCO2. The slight rise in PaCO2 stimulates the respiratory centre in the brain, creating the impulse to take another breath. In some patients with a chronically high level of PaCO2, such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the stimulus and drive to breathe is caused by a
decrease in PaO2. This is called a hypoxic drive. When administering oxygen to patients with known CO2 retention, watch for signs of hypoventilation, a decreased level of consciousness, and apnea. Oxygen therapy can have harmful effects, which are dependent on the duration and intensity of the oxygen therapy. See Table 5.5 for precautions and complications of oxygen therapy. Table 5.5 Precautions and Complications of Oxygen Therapy Precautions Never deprive any patient of oxygen if it is clinically indicated. It is usually acceptable to administer
whatever concentration of oxygen is needed to maintain the SpO2 between 88% and 92% in patients with known chronic CO2 retention verified by an ABG. This reduction in alveolar volume results in a form of collapse called absorption atelectasis. This situation also causes an increase in the physiologic shunt and
resulting hypoxemia. For this reason, oxygen should be administered
so that appropriate target saturation levels are maintained. Supplemental oxygen should be administered cautiously to patients with herbicide poisoning and to patients receiving bleomycin. These agents have the ability to increase the rate of development of oxygen toxicity. Why does working with oxygen require special safety precautions?Oxygen makes things burn much faster. Think of what happens when you blow into a fire; it makes the flame bigger. If you are using oxygen in your home, you must take extra care to stay safe from fires and objects that might burn.
What are three things that must be done before performing any procedure on a PT?List 3 of these standards.. observe the patient closely during any procedure.. always identify patient.. always explain the procedures the patient knows what you are going to do.. What is five rules or standards to observe while working with solutions in the laboratory?(1) Never use chemical solutions from bottles that are not labeled. (2) Do NOT mix any solutions together unless told so. (3) Read MSDS before handling any hazardous chemicals. (4)Store all chemicals solutions in a locked cabinet.
What are two ways to show respect for a patient's right to privacy?5 Ways To Protect Your Patients' Rights. Never discuss the patient's case with anyone without the patient's permission (including family and friends during off-duty hours). Never leave hard copies of forms or records where unauthorized persons may access them.. |