Oxygen

Question 1

Classification

Answer 1

Elemental Gas

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

• Facilitates cellular energy metabolism; oxidizes glucose to provide a usable form of energy to the mitochondria, essential for normal aerobic metabolism.

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

• Hypoxia (known or suspected)
• Ischemic chest pain
• Respiratory distress
• Suspected CO poisoning
• Traumatic injuries
• Shock
• When O2 demands are increased

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

• Known paraquat (pesticide) poisoning, though this is an effect of long-term O2 therapy and may not be a concern in the typical prehospital setting.

Question 5

Adverse Effects

Answer 5

• High O2 concentration can cause decreased LOC and respiratory depression in patients with chronic CO retention or chronic lung disease.

Question 6

Administration

Answer 6

• Adult
  
  • Low Concentration: 1-6 L/min via nasal cannula
  • High Concentration: 10-15 L/min via NRB
• Pediatrics
  
  • ​Similar to adults.Consider Blow-by oxygen and/or modified devices for small children
• Special considerations in a Class A Pregnancy.

Question 7

Notes

Answer 7

• Never withold O2 from a patient who needs it
• Fi02 - Fraction of Inspired Oxygen; the concentration of inspired oxygen. Atmospheric O2 is 21% and the FiO2 in normal room air is 21%
• Nasal Cannula - 1-6 L/min, O2 concentration of 35-45%.
• Simple Face Mask (no reservoir) - 6-10 L/min, concentration of 30-60%.
• NRB - 12-15 L/min, concentration of 60-95%
• BVM (w/reservoir) - 10-25 L/min, concentration of 40-90%
• ETT - 10-15 L/min, concentration of up to 100%
• Venturi Device - L/min as prescribed