Administering Oxygen by Mask

Administering oxygen by mask is a common nursing intervention that provides supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or chronic lung conditions. This procedure involves delivering oxygen at a specified rate through a face mask connected to an oxygen source.

Equipment

The equipment necessary for this procedure includes:

1. A flow meter connected to an oxygen supply
2. A humidifier with sterile distilled water, if necessary, for the type of mask prescribed
3. Face mask, specified by the physician
4. Gauze to pad the elastic band (optional)
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Stepwise Nursing Action with Rationale

1. Preparation: Bring all necessary equipment to the bedside stand or overbed table. It conserves time and energy, making the process more efficient.
2. Hygiene: Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE if indicated. These actions are crucial to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
3. Patient Identification: Properly identify the patient to ensure the correct individual receives the intervention, preventing potential errors.
4. Privacy: Close curtains around the bed and close the door to the room if possible. This step ensures the patient's privacy.
5. Explanation and Safety Precautions: Explain the procedure to the patient, including why it is being done and the safety precautions necessary for oxygen use. It helps relieve anxiety and facilitates cooperation.
6. Mask Setup: Attach the face mask to the oxygen source (with humidification if appropriate). Start the flow of oxygen at the specified rate. Before proceeding, let oxygen fill the reservoir bag for masks that have one.
7. Mask Positioning: Position the face mask over the patient's nose and mouth and adjust the elastic strap to fit snugly but comfortably. Adjust the flow rate to the prescribed rate.
8. Comfort Measures: If the patient reports irritation or redness, use gauze pads under the elastic strap at pressure points to reduce irritation to the ears and scalp.
9. Patient Assessment: Reassess the patient's respiratory status, including respiratory rate, effort, and lung sounds. Note any signs of respiratory distress.
10. Hygiene and PPE Removal: Remove PPE if used, and perform hand hygiene again to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
11. Mask Maintenance: Remove the mask and dry the skin every 2 to 3 hours if the oxygen runs continuously. Do not use powder around the mask.

Each step has a specific rationale and contributes to the overall effectiveness of oxygen therapy. It is important to document each step, noting the type of mask used, the amount of oxygen delivered, the patient's oxygen saturation level, lung sounds, and respiration patterns.

Special Considerations

Different types of face masks are available, and it is crucial to ensure the mask fits snugly around the patient's face for effective oxygen delivery.