Definition
Administering oxygen by mask is a vital nursing intervention used to treat hypoxemia and support respiratory function in patients with conditions like COPD, pneumonia, asthma, or post-operative recovery.
Purposes
- To relieve dyspnoeal.
- To administer higher concentration of oxygen.
Articles
- Oxygen source.
- Mask (simple/or with venturi adaptor high-flow device of
appropriate size) - Humidifier with distilled water
- Flow meter
- Gauze piece
- No smoking sign
Procedure
| Nursing Action | Rationale |
| Before procedure Determine need for oxygen therapy, check physician’s order for rate, device to be used, and concentration. Perform an assessment of vital signs, level of consciousness, lab values, etc. and record. Assess risk factors for oxygen therapy in patients and environment such as a patient with hypoxia drive, faulty electrical connection etc. Explain procedure to patient and relatives and inform them how to cooperate. Post “no smoking “Signals on patient’s door in view of patient and visitors and explain to them the dangers of smoking when oxygen is on flow. | Reduces risk of error in administration. Provide as baseline for future assessment. Reduces risk of danger to the patient. Reduces anxiety and enhances cooperation. Oxygen support combustion, smoking in oxygen area can lead to fire hazards. |
| During procedure Wash hands. Set up oxygen equipment and humidifier a. Filling humidifier up to the mark on it. b.Attach flow meter to source. Set flow meter in “off” position. Humidification helps prevent drying of mucous membrane and c. Attach humidifier bottle to base of the flow meter. d. Attach tubing and face mask to humidifier (if venturi device is used attach the color-coded venturi adapter to mask as appropriate) Oxygen is a drug and it is dangerous to administer at flow rate e. Regulate flow meter to prescribed level. Guide mask to patients face and apply it from nose downward. Fit the metal piece of mask to confirm the shape of nose.Secure elastic band around the patient’s head.Apply padding behind ears as well as scalp were elastic band passes.Ensure that safety precautions are followed.Inspect patient and equipment frequently for flowrate, clinical conditions level of water in humidifier. | Reduces the risk of transmission of microorganisms. Filling humidifier above this level will cause water to enter the tubing. Flow meter will help in monitoring and regulating oxygen flow to patients. Humidification helps prevent drying of mucous membrane and promotes comfort of patient. Oxygen is a drug, and it is dangerous to administer at a flow rate greater or lesser than the prescribed level. The mask should mold to face so that very little oxygen escapes into eyes or around cheeks or chin. Ensure comfort of patient. Padding prevents irritation to skin around area. Identifies complications if they develop. |
| After procedure wash hands remove the mask and dry the skin every 2 to 3 hours if oxygen is administered continuously.do not put powder around the mask. Document relevant data in patients record. | Reduce risk of transmission of microorganisms. Tight fitting mask and moisture from condensation can irritate the skin on the face. there is danger of inhaling powder if it is placed around mask |
Special Considerations
- The dosage of oxygen may be ordered as a fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio,), which is expressed as a percentage or as liters per minute.
- The venturi mask will have color coded insert that lists the flow rate necessary to obtain the desired percentage of oxygen.
| Nozzle color code | Flow rate | Concentration of oxygen |
| Blue | 3L/M | 24% |
| Yellow | 6L/M | 28% |
| White | 8L/M | 31% |
| Green | 12L/M | 35% |
| Pink | 15L/M | 40% |
| Orange | 15L/M | 50% |
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
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