OXYGEN TENT
Fact tents can replace oxygen mask when masks are poorly tolerated by clients. When a face tent alone is used to supply oxygen, the concentration of 2 varies, therefore, if is often used in conjunction with a venture system. Face tents provide varying concentration of O2 at 8-10 L/minute
An oxygen tent consists of canopy over the patient’s bed that may cover the patient fully or partially and it is connected to a supply of O2 the canopies are transparent and enables the nurse to observe the patient. The lower part of canopy is tucked under the bed to prevent the escape of O2. There are some advantages and disadvantages for using oxygen tent these are:
- If provides an environment for patient with controlled concentration, temperature regulation and humidity control
- It allows freedom for free movement in bed
- It creates feeling of isolation
- There is an increased chance of fire
- It requires much time and effort to clean and maintain a tent
- Loss of desired concentration occurs each time the tent is opened to provide care for patient
- Since it requires high volume of oxygen, it cannot be made available ordinarily
General Instructions
- Since oxygen acts as a drug. It must be prescribed and administered in specific dose in order to avoid oxygen toxicity. The dosage of O2 is started in terms of concentration and rate of flow
- When using oxygen cylinder uses a regulator and humidifiers. The purpose of the regulator is to reduce the pressure of the O2 in the cylinder to a safer level. The humidifier helps to saturate the oxygen with water vapor to prevent the drying of the mucus membranes of respiratory tract
- The glass tube should be summered under the water so that oxygen is bubbled through the water
- Every water of the apparatus should be clean to prevent infection
- Use disposable nasal catheters or sterilized rubbed catheters
- Change the nasal catheters at least every 8 hours or more often
- Lubricate the nasal catheter sparingly while the O2 is flowing. Then hold tip of the catheter in a glass of H2O to make sure that the terminal holes are not plugged with lubricant
- During the administration of O2 the valve controlling the rate of flow should not be handled if any alternation is to be made in the flow of O2 first take out the catheter from the nose and then adjust the valve
- Oxygen administration must never be stopped until the factors that caused hypoxia are reversed
- When oxygen therapy is disconnected, it should be done gradually. The patient is weaned from dependence on oxygen by reducing the dosage and then administrating it intermittently
- For all patients receiving oxygen inhalation, the temperature should be taken rectally to get an accurate record of body temperature
- When the nurse leaves the patient even for a short period, she should leave a calling signal near the patient
- Pay attention to conditions that can interfere with the flow of oxygen from the source to the patient. This may include kinks in the tubing loose connection and faulty humidifying apparatus. Remember that it is not unusual therapy is generally getting less oxygen than he would get under normal circumstances
- To prevent the deprivation of oxygen resulting from the depletion of oxygen from the cylinder the nurse should get a new one ready at hand when the gauge shows about ¼ level of in the pressure
- For fear of retrolental fibroplasia the premature babies are given oxygen inhalation only for a short period at a very low concentration
- Watch the patients receiving oxygen therapy continuously to detect the early signs of oxygen toxicity
- When oxygen is administered through the nasal catheters, the catheter is not directed distension of abdomen
- Since oxygen supports combustion, fire precautions are to be taken when the oxygen is a flow
Preparation of Patient and Environment
- Explain the procedure to the patient to win his confidence and cooperation. Answer his questions and allay the anxiety. Explain the sequence of the procedure and tell him how he can cooperate in the procedure. Explain the purpose of the procedure to the relatives also
- Instruct the patient the family members and the visitors, if any about the safety precautions required during the oxygen therapy
- Put-up the instructions regarding fire precautions in the unit
- Remove the cigars matches, electric appliances and other inflammable articles from patient’s unit
- Assemble the equipment and arrange them conveniently in the unit
- Place the patient in a comfortable position (Fowler’s position) to help in the expansion of the lungs
- Clear the nostrils, if there is crust formation
- Protect the bed and garments by spreading the Mackintosh and towel
EQUIPMENT
- Oxygen cylinder with its stand and accessories
- Nasal cylinder
- Water soluble lubricating jelly
- Adhesive tapes
- Bowl of water
- Flash light and tongue depressor
- Normal saline in a container
- Kidney tray
- Paper bag
- Mackintosh
- Towel rag pieces in a container
Procedure
- Explain the procedures to the patient and relatives to get the cooperation and win the confidence. What you are going to do and reassure him. Explain the purpose of procedure.
- Put the instructions regarding the fire precautions in the ward or unit. Instruct the relatives or visitors regarding safety measures required during the oxygen inhalation
- Observe vital signs and breathing pattern
- Collect the necessary articles at the bedside
- Give comfortable position of the patient
- Screen the bed of the patient
- Wash hands to prevent cross-infection
- Measure catheter from the tip of the nose to ear label for distance to enter, mark the length with ink
- Check the apparatus for working condition. Open the main valve in an anti-clockwise direction. Observe for pressure reading on the gauge. Open the wheel valve on the regulator and see the reading on the meter adjust the flow of O2 2-4 L for adults or as desired. When the wheel valve is opened the oxygen will start bubbling through the water in the Wolf’s bottle. Attach the catheter to the connecting tube oxygen will start bubbling through the water in the Wolf’s bottle. Attach the catheter to the connecting tube and check the flow of O2 through the catheter to prevent by dipping it under the water in the bowl
- Lubricate the tip of catheter with water soluble jelly
- Bring catheter across cheek and scope securely with adhesive tape
After Care of the Patient
- Be with the patient fill he is at case
- Keep the patient warm and comfortable
- Observe the patient’s progress by assessing vital signs and color
- Observe patient’s progress at specified intervals to make sure that the state of anoxemia is treated
- When the O2 is discontinued. Unscrew regulator liter flow disconnect the catheter and put it in kidney tray
- Clean the catheter, fist with cold water, then with warm soapy water and finally with clears water bill it for, 3-5 minutes, dry it and store in a cool dry place
- All other articles must be cleaned with soap and clean water dried and then replaced to their usual places
- Wash hands
Patient Education
- Educate the client and visitors about the hazard of smoking with oxygen in use
- Request other clients in the room and visitors to smoke in areas provided elsewhere in the hospitals
- Educate the patients about the short-circuit spark of electrical equipment
- Educate the patient, about safety precautions
Complications
- The use of contaminated equipment can spread infection in the patient
- Fire is a potential hazard when oxygen is administered
- If there is no sufficient humidity, there is a chance of drying and irritation of mucus membrane
- Prolonged exposure to a high concentration causes damage to the lung tissue and atelectasis
- If there are increased oxygen concentration in inspired air, there is a chance of collapse of alveoli
- The oxygen therapy may affect eyes
- Ulceration, edema and visual impairment, etc, result from the toxic effects of O2 on the cornea and lens of adult
