5 Oxygen Therapy and Respiratory Support Free Online FlashCards

What does oxygen therapy treat, and what does it not correct?

Oxygen treats hypoxemia; it does not by itself correct inadequate ventilation or remove carbon dioxide.

What SpO₂ target is recommended for most acutely ill adults receiving oxygen?

For most acutely ill adults receiving oxygen, the recommended target is $94\text{–}98\%$. Follow the prescribed target and local protocol.

What initial SpO₂ target is common for COPD or hypercapnia risk?

A common initial target is $88\text{–}92\%$ while blood-gas results are obtained. Use the patient’s prescribed target and local protocol.

How should severe hypoxemia be managed when CO₂ retention is a concern?

Do not withhold oxygen from a severely hypoxemic patient. Start it promptly, titrate toward the prescribed target, and reassess.

Why must a simple face mask receive its minimum required flow?

Use at least the device’s required minimum flow, commonly $5\,\mathrm{L/min}$, to reduce rebreathing of exhaled gas.

What is a Venturi mask especially useful for?

A Venturi mask delivers a specified oxygen concentration, making it useful when controlled oxygen is needed. Use the correct adapter and flow setting.

What must be maintained when using a reservoir mask?

Set the flow high enough to keep the reservoir bag inflated during inspiration, and seek urgent help while assessing the cause.

What support does high-flow nasal cannula provide?

High-flow nasal cannula provides heated, humidified gas at high flows with adjustable oxygen concentration. It can support selected patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

How do bilevel support and CPAP differ in noninvasive ventilation?

Noninvasive ventilation uses mask-delivered pressure support, often bilevel, to assist ventilation; CPAP provides continuous positive airway pressure to support oxygenation.

What can pulse oximetry not tell you?

It estimates oxygenation but does not measure ventilation or PaCO₂. Assess the patient and obtain blood gases when hypercapnia or respiratory acidosis is suspected.

What should be assessed alongside the saturation reading?

Assess respiratory rate and effort, work of breathing, mental status, skin color, heart rate, ability to speak, and response to treatment.

When should blood gases be considered during oxygen therapy?

Obtain blood gases when hypercapnia, respiratory acidosis, severe illness, or a poor response is suspected.