Seven options to provide life-saving oxygenMarch 28, 2019There is arguably nothing more heart-wrenching than a patient who is suffocating. How you handle these patients could be the difference between life and death. Some colleagues can be hesitant to admit these patients and may advise clients to take them to an emergency or referral facility that may be much farther away. It doesn't have to be that way. Short-term, there really is no risk to oxygen therapy. So even if the disease process were not oxygen-responsive, there is no harm in providing therapy while you figure things out, assess the severity of the disease, and obtain diagnostics. Providing oxygen is an easy way to buy time. Empower your nurses to start some sort of oxygen therapy when your patient is exhibiting any of the following situations: • dyspnea of any kind; • shortness of breath; • abnormal respiratory sounds; • cyanotic gums; • severe anemia or hemorrhage; • increased respiratory rate; • head trauma; and/or • lateral recumbency. Although arterial blood gas analysis would be the most accurate way to assess pulmonary function, it is rarely available in general practice. Pulse oximetry is a cheaper and more available option. You …
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