O2 Therapy
Oxygen is an odorless and tasteless gas.
Nasal Cannula—The tubing that is delivers oxygen through the nose.
When using a nasal cannula, the amount of oxygen delivered is usually 1-4 LPM (can go up to 6 LPM). LPM = liters/minute
The nasal cannula is a low-flow oxygen delivery device.
Oxygen Face Mask—A mask that covers the mouth and nose to deliver oxygen and humidity. There are 2 main types of masks.
Simple Mask—Used short term. The mask delivers 30-50% oxygen to the patient (the rest is outside air).
At least 5 liters/minute of oxygen needs to be used to remove CO2 out of the mask. 5-10 LPM of oxygen is delivered when using a simple mask.
Non-rebreathing Mask—These masks include a reservoir bag. The reservoir bag contains 100% oxygen. This mask delivers 60-80% oxygen to the patient.
The valve on the mask prevents exhaled gas from being breathed in again.
Up to 15 LPM of oxygen is administered when using a non-rebreathing mask. This is a high-flow oxygen delivery device.
Patients with COPD should not be given more than 2-3 liters/minute of oxygen.
When a patient with COPD comes into the department, he/she must be watched carefully! If the patient is on oxygen, he/she can stop breathing because of excess oxygen inhalation. Their bodies don't respond to access CO2 in the bloodstream, like normal breathers, they only respond hypoxia. So, if they are receiving too much oxygen, they never get hypoxic, they just "shut down".