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Complications of Oxygen Therapy

- Oxygen toxicity: A condition caused by exposure to high concentrations of oxygen for prolonged periods of time. It can damage the lungs and other organs by producing free radicals that injure the cells. Signs and symptoms include dyspnea, cough, chest pain, substernal discomfort, crackles, decreased lung compliance, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure.

- Carbon dioxide retention: A condition caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood due to hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange. It can occur in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who rely on hypoxic drive to stimulate breathing. High concentrations of oxygen can suppress this drive and reduce the respiratory rate and depth. Signs and symptoms include headache, confusion, drowsiness, coma, and respiratory acidosis.

- Absorption atelectasis: A condition caused by the collapse of the alveoli due to nitrogen washout. Nitrogen is normally present in the alveoli and helps maintain their patency. High concentrations of oxygen can displace nitrogen and reduce the alveolar volume. Signs and symptoms include dyspnea, hypoxemia, decreased breath sounds, and increased respiratory rate.

- Fire hazard: A condition caused by ignition of oxygen-enriched air or materials near the oxygen source. Oxygen supports combustion and can cause rapid and intense burning. Sources of ignition include smoking, open flames, sparks, or flammable materials. Signs and symptoms include smoke, flames, heat, burns, and injuries.

Questions on Complications of Oxygen Therapy

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

<p>Delivering a fixed amount of oxygen that is independent of the patient&#39;s condition is not the goal of oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy should be individualized and tailored to the patient&#39;s specific needs to optimize its effectiveness and safety.</p>

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

<p>Non-rebreather mask is considered a low-flow oxygen delivery system. It provides a high concentration of oxygen but does not ensure a precise oxygen concentration due to varying patient ventilation.</p>

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Reassuring the patient that nasal dryness is a normal side effect is not sufficient. While nasal dryness can be a common side effect of using a nasal cannula, it is essential to address the issue and provide appropriate interventions to alleviate the discomfort and prevent complications.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Reassuring the patient that shortness of breath is common with this type of mask is not appropriate without first addressing the issue at hand. The nurse should first assess the mask's functionality to ensure it is working correctly and providing the appropriate oxygen concentration before addressing the patient's concerns.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A tracheostomy collar does not deliver a fixed amount of oxygen independent of the patient's breathing pattern. Instead, it provides supplemental oxygen in response to the patient's inspiratory effort, which is a characteristic of low-flow oxygen delivery systems.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The aerosol mask is the most appropriate choice because it delivers humidified oxygen in the form of small aerosol particles, which can help alleviate thick secretions, moisturize dry mucous membranes, and reduce upper airway edema. This mask is beneficial for patients who require higher humidity levels to maintain airway patency and comfort.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Non-rebreather masks have one-way valves and a reservoir bag to deliver higher concentrations of oxygen. Although they can provide high FiO2 levels, the delivered concentration can vary based on the patient's breathing pattern and the mask's fit.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

Mechanical ventilators are not an oxygen delivery device; instead, they are used to provide mechanical ventilation support to the patient and can incorporate various oxygen delivery systems.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Fire hazard is not directly related to the use of a nasal cannula but rather to the use of oxygen in the presence of flammable materials or near open flames. It is a concern for all oxygen delivery devices, not specific to nasal cannulas.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

<p>A tracheostomy collar can provide a specific concentration of oxygen when used with a tracheostomized patient and is suitable for long-term use in COPD patients who have a tracheostomy.</p>

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Waiting for an alarm sound from the regulator to refill the tank is not recommended, as the tank could run out of oxygen before the alarm activates.

<p>&nbsp;Evaluation is the final phase of the nursing process where the nurse assesses the client&rsquo;s response to the nursing actions and plan&rsquo;s effectiveness towards achieving the health care goals. Since the nurse is determining the issue, not evaluating the client&rsquo;s response to in

<p>&nbsp;Blood pressure (BP) of 160/90 mmHg is elevated and indicates hypertension, which is not a direct measure of the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. This finding does not provide information about the patient&rsquo;s oxygenation status.</p>

A chest tube is not needed for a patient receiving oxygen therapy via a tracheostomy collar. Chest tubes are inserted to drain fluid or air from the pleural space, which is not applicable to this situation.

Removing the mask every 15 minutes to check the skin is not necessary and can disrupt the delivery of oxygen therapy. It's essential to maintain a consistent oxygen supply to the patient's lungs, and removing the mask frequently can compromise that. Checking the skin can be done periodically without

<p>&nbsp;By delivering a high concentration of oxygen and preventing the rebreathing of exhaled gases, a non-rebreather mask minimizes the risk of carbon dioxide retention, which can be a concern with other oxygen delivery systems that allow for the rebreathing of a portion of exhaled air.</p> <p

The nurse should connect the nasal cannula to a humidifier first. Dry and irritated nares are common side effects of oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, and using a humidifier adds moisture to the oxygen, reducing irritation and discomfort for the patient.

Instructing the patient to adjust the flow rate of oxygen as needed allows them to respond to varying oxygen requirements, especially during activities or changes in their respiratory condition.

Lowering the flow rate may not be appropriate until the nurse has assessed and resolved the problem with the mask. It's essential to troubleshoot the equipment first.

The patient's oxygen levels are affected by oxygen therapy, as they indicate that the current therapy is insufficient. Additional interventions are needed to improve oxygenation.

This is the correct choice. All the provided interventions (monitoring respiratory parameters, patient education, and safety measures) are essential components of the plan of care for a patient with a tracheostomy who requires oxygen therapy.

This is the correct choice. All the provided interventions (monitoring respiratory parameters, patient education, and safety measures) are essential components of the plan of care for a patient with a tracheostomy who requires oxygen therapy.
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