Oxygen Therapy in Nursing: A Simple Guide for Nursing Students
Assalam-o-Alaikum Friends! Oxygen therapy is a common treatment used in hospitals to improve oxygen levels in patients who have difficulty breathing or low oxygen saturation. Every nursing student should understand the basics of oxygen therapy because it is frequently used in clinical practice and nursing examinations. What is Oxygen Therapy? Oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen at a concentration higher than that found in normal air to improve oxygen delivery to body tissues. The main purpose of oxygen therapy is to prevent or treat hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the body). Indications for Oxygen Therapy Oxygen therapy may be required in patients with: Respiratory distress Asthma Pneumonia Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Heart failure Shock Low oxygen saturation Common Oxygen Delivery Devices 1. Nasal Cannula A nasal cannula is the most commonly used oxygen delivery device. Flow Rate: 1–6 L/min Advantages: Comfortable Easy to use Allows eating and talking 2. Sim...