Hands On

Oxygen administration and safety

Background

Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas that constitutes about 21% of the earth's atmosphere. It is essential for plant and human life. Tissue oxygenation depends on inspired oxygen, hemoglobin concentration and its ability to saturate with oxygen, and blood circulation. Administering oxygen can save the lives of critically ill patients, but it is important that it be given appropriately and managed well to avoid serious harm and death. Oxygen can be prescribed wrongly or not prescribed when

Indications

Oxygen is used to treat hypoxemia, and its administration is designed to supplement the inspired oxygen concentration so that tissue hypoxia is averted along with the resulting cellular dysfunction that can occur. Indications specifically include syncope, acute asthma attack, anaphylaxis, an epileptic attack, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Patients with chest pain who may be having a myocardial infarction should no longer be given oxygen routinely. If the patient has blue lips, indicating

Equipment

Each dental practice should have a minimum of the following:

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  An oxygen face mask with oxygen reservoir and tubing (Fig 1).

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  A portable oxygen cylinder large enough to deliver adequate flow rates (Fig 2).

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  An oxygen cylinder key (if needed).

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  A pulse oximeter, or the ability to monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels before, during, and after oxygen is delivered.

The oxygen face mask with reservoir and tubing (also called an oxygen non-rebreathe mask) has a one-way valve to direct oxygen into the

Administration Guidelines

Any critically ill patient should be given an initial administration of high-flow oxygen. The patient is assessed for airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. Help is sought from colleagues or by contacting emergency services. The rescuer explains the procedure to the patient and attaches the pulse oximeter to guide oxygen therapy. The patient is appropriately positioned, and the oxygen cylinder is prepared and attached to the tubing. The oxygen flow rate is selected, then the