Vision: A PREMIER UNIVERSITY delivering

world-class education that promotes

Benguet State University “Excellent nursing education that
provides graduates with self-direction,
sustainable development amidst climate
change. COLLEGE OF NURSING competence and compassion.”

Mission: To provide quality education to La Trinidad, Benguet “The College of nursing is committed to
enhance food security, sustainable provide a strong academic and
communities, industry innovation, climate
www.bsu.edu.ph/ 422- 2127 professional foundation for the practice
resilience, gender equality, institutional of nursing.”
development and partnerships.

III. THE PROCEDURE

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the different parts of the oxygen delivery system as well the
different oxygen modalities, it’s time to commence the oxygen therapy. This procedure would only cover the
most commonly used oxygen modalities that you would encounter in the hospital namely the face mask, nasal
cannula and face tent (for pediatric patients).

A. PREPARATION

1. Determine the need for oxygen therapy, and verify the order for the therapy. You must have
performed baseline assessment (refer back to the checklist on assessing for respiration and
oxygenation status). Remember that some patients such as COPD patient who have high levels
of carbon dioxide have to maintain hypoxemia to breathe. This case might need consult with
attending doctor or respiratory therapist for specifics of the therapy.

2. Perform hand hygiene and make sure equipment are also prepared:
 Flow meter
 Humidifier
 Distilled water / PNSS/ Sterile Water
 Tape (optional)
 Padding for the elastic band
 Nasal Cannula with tubing, Face-mask, Face Tent

3. Prepare the patient and significant other. Instruct the patient on why oxygen is being
administered. Remind him/her that it is not harmful when safety precautions are observed.
Position the client to semi-Fowler’s position. This promotes maximal lung expansion. For
restrictive lung diseases such as COPD, High Fowler’s is more appropriate to ease DOB and
exertion.

B. PERFORMANCE
1. Prior to beginning the procedure, introduce yourself and verify the client’s identity either by
asking his/her name and birth date or referring to the patient name and bed number. Reiterate
why the therapy is necessary and how the patient can participate. Discuss that the effect of the
therapy can be used in planning care and management.
2. Perform Hand Hygiene
3. Provide for client privacy, if appropriate
4. Set-up the oxygen equipment and the humidifier.
 Attach the flow meter to the wall outlet or tank. The flow meter should be in the off
position
 Fill the humidifier bottle
 Attach the humidifier bottle to the base of the flow meter.
 Attach the prescribed oxygen tubing and delivery device to the humidifier
5. Turn on the oxygen at the prescribed rate and ensure proper function.
6. Apply the appropriate oxygen delivery device:
Nasal Cannula Face Mask Face Tent
❖ Put the cannula over ❖ Guide the mask toward ❖ Place the tent over the
the client’s face with the client’s face, and client’s face, and
the outlet prongs fitting apply it from the nose secure the ties around
into the nares and the downward. the hand.
tubing hooked around ❖ Fit the mask to the
the ears contours of the client’s
Vision: A PREMIER UNIVERSITY delivering
world-class education that promotes
Benguet State University “Excellent nursing education that
provides graduates with self-direction,
sustainable development amidst climate
change. COLLEGE OF NURSING competence and compassion.”

Mission: To provide quality education to La Trinidad, Benguet “The College of nursing is committed to
enhance food security, sustainable provide a strong academic and
communities, industry innovation, climate
www.bsu.edu.ph/ 422- 2127 professional foundation for the practice
resilience, gender equality, institutional of nursing.”
development and partnerships.

❖ If cannula is easily face (should be snuggly fit

dislodged, tape it at the to avoid oxygen from
sides of the face escaping into the eyes or
❖ Put the tubing and band around the cheeks and
over the ears and chin.
cheekbones ❖ Pad the band behind the
ears and over bony
prominences.

7. Monitor the patient regularly. Assess in 15 to 30 minutes and regularly thereafter.

 Vital signs
o BP
o RR
o PR
o Temp
o SpO2
 Level of anxiety
 Skin color
 Respiration status
 Watch out for signs of hypoxia, tachycardia, confusion, dyspnea, restlessness and
cyanosis
 Review oxygen saturation
 Assess oxygen delivery device placement:
Nasal Cannula Face Mask or Tent
❖ Assess nares for encrustations or ❖ Inspect facial skin frequently for
irritation. Apply a water-soluble dampness or chaffing, and dry and
lubricant as required to soothe treat as needed.
the mucous membranes. In the
hospital, you might encounter the
use of petroleum jelly or vapor
rub. This is not best practice but
some patients might not be able
to afford water soluble lubricants.
After O2 administration, just
make sure to carefully wipe the
jelly and avoid entry into mucus
membranes.
❖ Assess client’s ears for any signs
of irritation from the cannula
tubing. If present, padding with
gauze pad may help relieve the
discomfort.
8. Monitor the equipment on a regular basis
 Check the liter flow and level of water in the humidifier in 30 minutes and whenever
providing care to the client
 Be sure that water does not collect along the loops of the tubing
Vision: A PREMIER UNIVERSITY delivering
world-class education that promotes
Benguet State University “Excellent nursing education that
provides graduates with self-direction,
sustainable development amidst climate
change. COLLEGE OF NURSING competence and compassion.”

Mission: To provide quality education to La Trinidad, Benguet “The College of nursing is committed to
enhance food security, sustainable provide a strong academic and
communities, industry innovation, climate
www.bsu.edu.ph/ 422- 2127 professional foundation for the practice
resilience, gender equality, institutional of nursing.”
development and partnerships.

 Make sure that safety precautions are being followed. Involve the patient’s watcher.
9. Document findings in the client record

REFERENCES
Bates' Visual Guide to Physical Examination. (n.d.). Examination of Thorax and Lungs [Video].
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCIf7WJDWd8

Berman, A. T., Snyder, S., & Frandsen, G. (2015). Kozier & Erb's fundamentals of nursing:
Concepts, process, and practice (10th) edition. MACMILLAN HEINEMANN

Perry, A. G., & Potter, P. A. (2017). Mosby's pocket guide to nursing skills and procedures - E-
book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Pooler, C. (2009). Porth pathophysiology: Concepts of altered health states. Lippincott

Williams & Wilkins.

Prepared and submitted:

RLE CLINICAL FACILITATOR

Recommending approval:

JOCYLYN W. ANGELES, RN., MAN

Chairman, Dep’t of Clinical Instruction
Approved:
JUDE L. TAYABEN, PhDN
Dean
Vision: A PREMIER UNIVERSITY delivering
world-class education that promotes
Benguet State University “Excellent nursing education that
provides graduates with self-direction,
sustainable development amidst climate
change. COLLEGE OF NURSING competence and compassion.”

Mission: To provide quality education to La Trinidad, Benguet “The College of nursing is committed to
enhance food security, sustainable provide a strong academic and
communities, industry innovation, climate
www.bsu.edu.ph/ 422- 2127 professional foundation for the practice
resilience, gender equality, institutional of nursing.”
development and partnerships.