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Course: Medical Surgical Nursing

Topic: Respiratory Care Modalities Part-I

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COPYRIGHT

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Module Goals

Learner should be able to:

  • Describe the types of respiratory care modalities.
  • Describe the indications for various respiratory care modalities.
  • Discuss the nursing management of various respiratory care modalities:
    • Preparation of Client
    • Preparation of Equipment
    • Expected Outcomes
    • Assessment of Outcomes
    • Considerations for the Gerontologic Client
    • Client Education

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Respiratory Care Modalities

  • Therapies used for clients with various respiratory conditions.

  • The type of therapy is based on the oxygenation disorder.

  • Therapies may be noninvasive to highly invasive.

Smeltzer et al., 2010

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Respiratory Care Modalities (Continued)

  • Categories
    • Oxygen therapy
    • Aerosol therapy
    • Physical therapy
    • Mechanical aids to lung inflation

  • Used in all patient care settings

Princeton University, 2017

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Oxygen Therapy

  • Provides extra oxygen to breathe (supplemental oxygen)
  • Requires a prescription from the health care provider
  • Short term or long-term use
  • Available in liquid or gas form
  • Multiple devices
  • Invasive and non-invasive

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Oxygenation Process

  • Atmospheric Oxygen- 21%
  • Oxygen is inhaled and carbon dioxide is exhaled
  • Effective Oxygenation process requires:
    • Unobstructed airway
    • Chest and lung synchronization
    • Unobstructed bronchial airway
    • Effective Cardiac functioning
    • Adequate hemoglobin level
  • Impaired due to medical conditions

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?

Individuals with conditions that cause low blood oxygen

  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Pneumonia
  • COVID-19
  • A severe asthma attack
  • Late-stage heart failure
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Sleep apnea

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Oxygen Delivery System

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

Low-Flow Delivery Systems

High-Flow Delivery Systems

  • Client breathes some room air along with the oxygen
  • Provides the total inspired air
  • Does not provide a constant or known concentration of inspired oxygen
  • A specific percentage of oxygen is delivered independent of the client’s breathing
  • Examples: nasal cannula, oropharyngeal catheter, simple mask, partial-rebreather, and non-rebreather masks
  • Examples: transtracheal catheters, Venturi masks, aerosol masks, tracheostomy collars, T-pieces, and face tents

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Oxygen Therapy Delivery Methods

Invasive Oxygen Therapy

  • Endotracheal intubation
  • Tracheostomy
  • Nasotracheal
  • Mechanical Ventilator

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

Smeltzer et al., 2010

Non-Invasive Oxygen Therapy:

  • Nasal cannula
  • Face mask, Face tents, Venturi mask, Rebreather, partial Rebreather
  • Bag Valve Mask /Ambu bag
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-PAP)

To know more about Invasive Oxygen Therapy Please refer to slide deck Airway Management

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Flow Rates and Oxygen Percentages

Nursing Skills by Chippewa Valley Technical College, Table 11.3a Settings of Oxygenation Devices, Chapter 11.3

Device

Flow Rates and Oxygen Percentages

Nasal Cannula

Flow rate: 1-6 L/min

FiO2: 24% to 44%

High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Flow rate: up to 60 L/min

FiO2: Up to 100%

Simple Mask

Flow rate: 6-10 L/min

FiO2: 28% to 50%

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Flow Rates and Oxygen Percentages

Nursing Skills by Chippewa Valley Technical College, Table 11.3a Settings of

Oxygenation Devices, Chapter 11.3

Device

Flow Rates and Oxygen Percentages

Non-Rebreather Mask

Flow rate: 10 to 15 L/min

FiO2: 60-80%

Safety Note: The reservoir bag should always be partially inflated.

CPAP, BiPAP, Venturi Mask, Mechanical Ventilator

Use the settings provided by the respiratory therapist and/or provider order.

Bag Valve Mask

Flow rate: 15 L/min

FiO2: 100%

Squeeze the bag once every 5 to 6 seconds for an adult or once every 3 seconds for an infant or child.

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Critical Thinking Question

  • State the major differences between low-flow and high flow oxygen delivery systems.

  • Give examples of devices in each category.

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Nasal Cannula

  • Small bore tube connected to two short prongs.
  • Supplies oxygen directly from a flow meter or through humidified air
  • Effective for short- or long-term therapy

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Nasal Cannula (Continued)

  • Advantages:
    • Provides 24% to 40% O₂ concentration
    • Delivers oxygen (O₂ ) at 1 to 6 litres per minute (L/min)
    • Convenient to talk and eat while receiving O₂
    • May be drying to nares if above 4 L/min
    • Easy to use, low cost, and disposable

  • Limitations:
    • Easily dislodged
    • Ineffective with blocked nostrils, deviated septum, polyps

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Simple Face Mask

Fits over the mouth and nose

  • Exhalation ports should always remain open.

  • An elastic secures the mask around the the head.

  • Metal piece over the nose allows for a custom mask fit.

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Simple Face Mask (Continued)

  • Advantages:
    • Can provide 40% to 60% O₂ concentration
    • Can deliver oxygen 6 to 10 L/min
    • Readily available on most hospital units
    • Provides moderate to higher oxygen

  • Disadvantages:
    • Difficult to eat with mask on
    • Difficult for claustrophobic clients

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Non Re-Breather Mask (Low-Flow System)

  • Simple mask with a reservoir bag attached.
  • No re-breathing of exhaled air.
  • Series of one-way valves between mask, bag and on the exhalation ports.
  • The client only breathes in from the reservoir bag.
  • On exhalation, gases are are directed out through the exhalation ports.

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Non Re-Breather Mask (Continued)

  • Advantages:
    • Delivers between 60% and 80% FiO₂
    • Delivers O₂ at 10 to 15 L/min

  • Disadvantages:
    • Risk of suffocation
    • Used only for short-term high oxygen requirements
    • Risk of hyperoxygenation
    • Requires a tight seal
    • May be hot and confining for the client
    • Interferes with talking and eating

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Face Tent (Low-Flow System)

  • The mask covers nose and mouth
  • Does not create a seal around the nose

  • Advantages:
    • Can provide 28% to 100% O₂
    • Deliver O₂ at a minimum of 15 L/min
    • Used when facial burn, broken nose, or claustrophobic is an issue
    • Disadvantages: Difficult to achieve high levels of oxygenation

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Critical Thinking Question

The client has been diagnosed with COPD, the O𝟸 saturation level is at 89%. Supplemental O𝟸 has been prescribed.

  • Identify the type of oxygen delivery system depicted in this picture

  • How does this device work on inspiration and expiration?

  • How many L/m can be delivered through this device?

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High Flow Nasal Cannula

  • Delivers up to 100% humidified and heated oxygen with flow rate of up to 60 L/min.
  • Used with clients with critical condition and requires advanced monitoring.
  • Set up by a respiratory therapist and then maintained by a nurse.

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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Partial Re-Breather Mask (High-Flow System)

  • Bag should always remain partially inflated.

  • Flow rate should be high enough to keep the bag partially inflated.

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Partial Re-Breather Mask (High-Flow System)

  • Advantages:
    • Delivers 10 to 12 L/min for an O₂ concentration of 80% to 90%
    • Used short term for clients who require high levels of oxygen

  • Disadvantages:
    • Expired air mixes with the inhaled air
    • May be hot and confining
    • Interferes with eating and talking

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Venturi Mask (High Flow System)

  • Consists of a bottle of sterile water, corrugated tubing, a drainage bag, air/oxygen ratio nebulizer system.

  • The mask may be an aerosol face mask, tracheostomy mask, a T-piece, or a face tent.

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Venturi Mask (High Flow System)

  • Advantages:
    • Provides 24% to 60% O₂ at 4 to 12 L/min
    • Base of the mask regulates the oxygen concentration
    • Promotes comfort by delivering humidified oxygen

  • Disadvantages:
    • May be warm and confining
    • Interferes with talking and eating
    • Requires expertise to set up system

Doyle & McCutcheon, 2015

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Critical Thinking Question

State the advantages and disadvantages of the Venturi mask.

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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

  • Mask covers nose, or nose and mouth, attached to a machine that applies continuous mild air pressure to keep the client’s airways from collapsing.

  • Experts set the system and a prescription is required.

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)

  • Device has two pressure settings.
  • A higher setting during inhalation and a lower setting during exhalation.
  • Used for obstructive sleep apnea, acute respiratory distress.
  • Noninvasive alternative to intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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Bag Valve Mask (Ambu Bag)

  • Handheld device used in emergency situations during respiratory arrest or failure.
  • Supplies oxygen at 15 L/minute, FiO₂ of 100%.
  • Different sizes for infants, children, and adults.

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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Critical Thinking Question

Indicate whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F)

  1. The BiPAP is an invasive alternative to intubation and mechanical ventilation.
  2. A medical prescription is needed for oxygen administration through a CPAP device/
  3. Ambu bags supply oxygen at 5L/min.
  4. BiPAP devices are used to prevent airways from collapsing.

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Nurses Role During Oxygen Therapy

Prepare the Client

  • Confirm patient ID
  • Obtain care provider’s order
  • Explain the procedure to the client and family
  • Ensure patient’s privacy
  • Perform respiratory assessment
  • Monitor respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, lung sounds
  • Employ safety measures: hand hygiene, connecting equipment
  • Position patient: as per medical condition
  • Evaluate patient’s response

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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Nurses Role During Oxygen Therapy

Prepare Equipment

  • Gather supplies: pulse oximeter, oxygen delivery device, tubing
  • Connect flow meter to oxygen supply source
  • Apply adapter for tubing
  • Connect nasal cannula tubing to flow meter
  • Set oxygen flow rate
  • Ensure appropriate positioning of oxygen delivery device
  • Introduce other oxygen delivery devices, such as masks and non-rebreather masks if needed.

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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Nursing Process During Oxygen Therapy

  • Assessment:
    • Obtain history
    • Asses current symptoms for shortness of breath (SOB)
    • If SOB is associated with chest pain, or respiratory failure, obtain emergency assistance
    • Note presence of cough (productive and non-productive)
    • Note medication use
    • Assess respiratory status for airway clearance, respiratory rate, SPO₂, and lung sounds.
    • Note signs of cyanosis,
      • Obtain serial ABG if necessary
    • Close monitoring of skin breakdown at pressure points

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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Nurses Role: Safety and Oxygen Therapy

  • Monitor Client and asses at regular intervals
  • Administor/adjust oxygen with consultation
  • Store O2 cylinders upright, chained in appropriate holders
  • Store full oxygen, partially-full or empty oxygen tanks separately
  • Never place 02 tanks on the client’s bed
  • No smoking around oxygen delivery devices
  • Keep oxygen 5 feets away from heat source
  • Check for electrical hazards before use
  • Check portable tank levels before use
  • Flowmeters free of oil or grease

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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Oxygen Therapy: Gerontologic Consideration

Respiratory changes occur throughout aging process.

  • Respiratory muscles weaken.
  • Large bronchi and alveoli enlarge.
  • The available surface area of lungs decreases; reduced ventilation and gas exchange.

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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Oxygen Therapy: Gerontologic Consideration (Continued)

  • Decrease in ciliary action.
  • Decrease cough reflex.
  • Decreased costal cartilage and chest wall compliance.
  • Increased chest rigidity, respiratory rate, and decreased PaO₂.
  • Risk of aspiration and infection related to these changes.
  • Education: Adequate nutrition helps to excrete excess CO₂ and maintain optimal respiratory rate.

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

Image by: Pxhere

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Client Education

  • Safety considerations with oxygen.
  • Breathing: Inhale through the nose with slow, deep breaths and to breathe out through the mouth.
  • Seek medical help for difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.

Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021

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What Would the Nurse Do?

The nurse is preparing the client for oxygen administration with a high-flow nasal cannula. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take into consideration? (Select all that apply).

  1. Obtain informed consent
  2. Explain the procedure to the client and the family
  3. Discuss the mode of administration
  4. If tracheostomy, suction adequately before therapy
  5. Correct positioning per medical condition
  6. Ensure comfort

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Red Flags

  • Shortness of breath associated with chest pain
  • Respiratory arrest
  • Respiratory distress
  • Oxygen saturation below 92%

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Cultural Considerations

Religion, culture, beliefs, and ethnic customs can influence how families understand and use health concepts:

  • Health beliefs: In some cultures talking about a possible poor health outcome will cause that outcome to occur.
  • Health customs: In some cultures family members play a large role in health care decision-making.
  • Ethnic customs: Differing gender roles may determine who makes decisions about accepting & following treatment recommendations.

AHRQ, 2020

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Cultural Considerations (Continued)

Religion, culture, beliefs, and ethnic customs can influence how families understand and use health concepts:

  • Religious beliefs: Faith and spiritual beliefs may affect health seeking behavior and willingness to accept treatment.
  • Dietary customs: Dietary advice may be difficult to follow if it does not fit the foods or cooking methods of the family.
  • Interpersonal customs: Eye contact or physical touch may be ok in some cultures but inappropriate or offensive in others.

AHRQ, 2020

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References

  • Doyle, G. R., McCutcheon, J. A. (2015). Clinical procedures for safer patient care. BCcampus. https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/

  • Ernstmeyer, K., & Christman, E. (Eds.). (2021). Open RN Nursing Skills. Creative Commons.

  • Smeltzer, S. C., Hinkle, J. L., Cheever, K. H., Bare, B. (2010). Brunner & Suddarth's textbook of medical-surgical nursing (Edition 12.). Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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