ADMINISTERING OXYGEN BY NASAL CANNULA
Wednesday, 2 May 2012 | 16 comment(s)
Definition:
A nasal cannula is a narrow, flexible plastic tubing used to deliver oxygen through the nostrils of patients using nasal breathing. It connects to an oxygen outlet, a tank source or compressor, on one end and has a loop at the other end with dual pronged extended openings at the top of the loop. The prongs are slightly curved to fit readily into the front portion of a patient's nostrils. The tubing of the loop is fitted over the patient's ears and is brought together under the chin by a sliding connector that holds the cannula in place.
1. Explain procedure to patient and review safety precautions necessary when oxygen is in use. Place No Smoking sign in appropriate areas.
2. Perform hand hygiene.
3. Connect nasal cannula to oxygen setup with humidification, if one is in use. Adjust flow rate as ordered by physician. Check the oxygen is flowing out of prongs.
4. Place the prongs in patient’s nostrils. Adjust according to type of equipment:
a. Over and behind each ear with adjuster comfortably under chin or
b. Around patient’s head.
5. Use gauze pads at ear beneath tubing as necessary.
6. Encourage patient to breathe through nose with mouth closed.
7. Perform hand hygiene.
8. Assess and chart patient’s response to therapy.
9. Remove and clean cannula and assess nares at least every 8 hours or according to agency recommendations. Check nares for evidence of irrigation or bleeding.
AFTERCARE:
After initiating oxygen therapy, the nurse should stay with the patient for a while to reassure the patient and observe his or her reactions to the therapy. The patient's vital signs should be monitored, along with the level of consciousness, comfort with the oxygen apparatus, and oximetry levels, as ordered by the physician or as directed by policy of the medical setting. Oxygen connections and settings should be checked. The nurse should observe the patient, either for improvements in color, respiratory rate and rhythm, and comfort levels, or for increased or decreased respiratory effort, diaphoresis, alteration in mental status, anxiety and restlessness. Facemasks will interfere with communication and eating. Oxygen will dry out the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. The nurse should briefly remove the mask periodically to allow the patient to drink or eat, for mouth care, or to communicate clearly. When the mask or cannula is off, the skin on the face and above the ears should be checked for signs of skin irritation. If the skin is irritated
Source: http://www.enotes.com/nasal-cannula-face-mask-application-reference/nasal-cannula-face-mask-application


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