What is the best way to administer oxygen to a COPD patient and why?

Expert comment. The use of nasal cannulas is common for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is often patient choice, as cannulas allow them to eat, drink and speak, and are often more comfortable than masks when they are receiving oxygen for long periods of time.

What happens when you give a COPD patient too much oxygen?

In some individuals, the effect of oxygen on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is to cause increased carbon dioxide retention, which may cause drowsiness, headaches, and in severe cases lack of respiration, which may lead to death.

Should you administer high flow oxygen to a patient with COPD?

Uncompensated elevated Paco2 causes respiratory acidosis, and acidemia can be deadly. It may seem intuitively right to put a “blue” patient on a high concentration of inspired oxygen (Fio2). However, high Fio2 has been shown to be dangerous for patients with COPD, and guidelines advise against its use.

What is the best flow rate of oxygen for a patient with COPD?

The currently recommended target oxygen tension in exacerbated COPD is about 60–65 mm Hg, which is equivalent to a saturation of approximately 90%–92% (Table). (2) Despite an initial blood oxygen saturation of 94%, this patient’s oxygen flow rate was increased from 2 to 4 L/min.

Which oxygen device is best for COPD?

Venturi masks (VMs) and nasal prongs (NPs) are widely used to treat acute respiratory failure (ARF) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

What should the nurse consider when giving oxygen to a patient with COPD and why?

Oxygen therapy in the acute setting (in hospital)

  1. For most COPD patients, you should be aiming for an SaO2 of 88-92%, (compared with 94-98% for most acutely ill patients NOT at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure).
  2. The aim of (controlled) oxygen therapy is to raise the PaO2 without worsening the acidosis.

Why is venturi mask used for COPD?

Venturi masks, calibrated to deliver Fio2 between 24% and 50%, are most useful in patients with COPD because the Po2 can be titrated, thus minimizing the risk of CO2 retention. Oxygen saturation of hemoglobin of approximately 80% to 90% can be achieved with nonbreathing masks.

How much oxygen a nurse should give to a patient with chronic respiratory failure?

The recommended oxygen target saturation range in patients not at risk of type II respiratory failure is 94–98%. The recommended oxygen target saturation range in patients at risk of type II respiratory failure is 88–92%.

What should you check before administering oxygen?

Document baseline observations including saturations, respiratory rate, blood pressure and pulse. Note respiratory effort, colour, level of consciousness. Check that there is a prescription for oxygen with a stated target saturation range (except in peri-arrest situation)

What are the nursing responsibility during oxygen administration?

Nurses have a responsibility to ensure that oxygenation is optimised at pulmonary and cellular level as part of their duty of care to patients. This requires knowledge of respiratory and cardiac physiology, as well as selection of the appropriate equipment and delivery method for supplemental oxygen therapy.