Oxigenoterapia en Enfermería - Fácil

Understanding Oxygen Therapy

Introduction to Oxygen Therapy

• Oxygen therapy is a medically prescribed treatment that involves administering oxygen at higher concentrations than found in the environment, aimed at increasing blood oxygen levels to prevent cellular and tissue damage due to hypoxia.

• To grasp the concept of oxygen therapy, it is essential to understand four fundamental terms: flow, oxygen saturation, and hypoxia.

Key Concepts in Oxygen Therapy

Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2)

• FiO2 stands for "fraction of inspired oxygen," indicating the portion of oxygen available for inhalation. It is expressed as a percentage.

• The ambient air contains approximately 21% FiO2; this means only 21% of the total air we breathe consists of pure oxygen.

Understanding Ambient Air Composition

• The reason we can only inhale 21% FiO2 is due to our physiological capacity and the presence of other gases in the atmosphere.

• Nitrogen constitutes about 78% of atmospheric gases, with smaller amounts of argon (0.9%) and noble gases (0.1%).

Increasing FiO2 through Medical Equipment

• Medical equipment can be used to increase the concentration of FiO2 beyond the natural ambient level.

• Various devices are utilized in oxygen therapy, including flow meters and humidifiers.

Flow Rate and Measurement

Definition of Flow Rate

• Flow refers to the amount of gas administered—in this case, oxygen—measured in liters per minute.

• For example, if a flow rate is set at 4 liters per minute, that indicates how much oxygen will be delivered within that time frame.

Importance of Oxygen Saturation

• Oxygen saturation (SpO2) measures the amount of available oxygen in the blood as a percentage; an optimal level starts from 95%.

• Levels below 95% indicate potential risks for tissue hypoxia which can lead to severe damage if not addressed promptly.

Essential Devices for Administering Oxygen

Overview of Key Devices

• Three critical devices are necessary for effective administration: manometer (or pressure gauge), flow meter, and humidifier.

Manometer Functionality

• The manometer displays how much compressed oxygen remains in its tank using psi (pounds per square inch), allowing healthcare providers to monitor usage effectively.

Flow Meter Details

• The flow meter controls how many liters per minute are supplied from an oxygen source; it may come in circular or cylindrical forms.

Humidifier Role

• A humidifier prepares compressed oxygen by cooling and moistening it before delivery to patients, preventing airway dryness.

Understanding Oxygen Therapy Devices

Overview of Oxygen Delivery Systems

• The discussion begins with an overview of three key devices used in oxygen therapy: a manometer, a flow meter, and a humidifier. The manometer indicates the remaining PSI of compressed oxygen.

• The flow meter controls the liters per minute administered to the patient, while the humidifier can either liquefy or dry the compressed oxygen.

Types of Oxygen Administration Systems

• There are two primary systems for administering oxygen: low-flow and high-flow systems. Each system utilizes specific devices tailored to their function.

• Low-flow systems include nasal cannulas, standard oxygen masks, and reservoir masks. High-flow systems primarily use Venturi masks.

Concentration and Flow Rates

• The concentration of delivered oxygen (FiO2) is expressed as a percentage starting from 24% up to 40%, which is higher than the ambient air's 21%.

• Flow rates range from 1 liter to 5 liters per minute for nasal cannulas; at different flow rates, varying concentrations of FiO2 are achieved (e.g., 36% at 4 L/min).

Limitations and Considerations

• Nasal cannulas can only support up to 5 liters of flow without causing discomfort or inadequate distribution of oxygen.

• Exceeding this limit may lead to adverse effects such as burning sensations or ineffective delivery.

Differences Between Low-flow and High-flow Systems

• High-flow systems like Venturi masks provide a consistent volume of gas that ensures patients receive all inspired gas solely from the device.

• In contrast, low-flow devices mix ambient air with supplemental oxygen, leading to variable concentrations based on individual patient breathing patterns.

Conclusion on Oxygen Therapy Understanding