Oxygen Therapy Review

Sample Answer

Oxygen Therapy Review

In the video I learned how supplemental oxygen therapy is selected and administered based on a patient’s needs, and the importance of matching the device to the patient’s condition. One key device is the nasal cannula, which delivers low-flow oxygen and is suitable for patients who require only modest increases in inspired oxygen concentration; according to Egan, cannulas are often used for long‐term oxygen therapy in stable patients (Kacmarek et al., 12th ed., p. 281). Another piece of equipment is the simple face mask, which can provide higher concentrations of oxygen than a cannula and is used for patients needing moderate support; Egan explains that simple masks allow flow rates of around 5-10 L/min and deliver FiO₂ in the range of about 0.35–0.55 (p. 283). The third device featured is the non-rebreather mask, which includes a reservoir bag and one-way valves to provide high concentrations of oxygen in emergencies; Egan highlights this type of mask as capable of achieving FiO₂ levels up to about 0.80 when properly managed (p. 284).

The video emphasised not only the equipment but also the clinical reasoning behind device choice, which reinforced key concepts from Egan’s text: ensuring the device meets patient requirements for FiO₂, flow rate and comfort, while considering safety and monitoring. For example it discussed monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and whether the actual equipment setup matches the intended therapy, which echoes Egan’s discussion of patient assessment and safety in oxygen therapy (p. 272). Moreover, the video underscored the importance of proper fitting, humidification, and avoiding complications such as hyperoxia or carbon dioxide retention, which are warned about in Egan when high-flow devices or masks are misused (p. 289).