Oxygen Delivery Devices, Oxygenation Interventions & Suctioning

So first up, we're talking about the different types of delivery devices. This is how we get oxygen from the tank to the patient. So you'll see here that on this card, we have a table. This table is awesome. I think it is so great and helpful at helping you understand the information. It goes over the devices, the flow rates that are required, and then different considerations. Some that I want to pull your attention to, just because I'm not going to go over all of these, nasal cannulas is that they require the use of a water-based lubricant in the nares, not an oil-based or petroleum-based lubricant. This is because oxygen being pumped into the nose can cause drying, so it is important to keep the nasal passages lubricated. When it comes to nonrebreather bags, it is essential that they are fully inflated before applying them. The reservoir bag, in particular, should be fully inflated. However, for partial rebreather bags, they only need to be kept two-thirds full. This is an important distinction to be aware of. Aerosol masks or face tents are excellent choices for individuals who have facial trauma, claustrophobia, or burns. These options provide a comfortable and suitable option for these patients. Lastly, the venturi device is not a mask on its own. It is a device that is attached to a delivery device. It is important to understand that the venturi device works in conjunction with another device to deliver the necessary treatment. Venturi, when you hear Venturi, you need to think precision. The Venturi device allows a precise FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) to be delivered to the patient, up to 40%, without intubation. That's huge. That's a big deal. So that's what's important to know about Venturi devices. Now, moving on to the next card, we talk about therapeutic interventions for oxygenation. A couple of big ones on here, we have chest physiotherapy, positive airway pressure, and suctioning. So chest physiotherapy is going to be for patients typically with cystic fibrosis or other respiratory conditions like that. It's going to involve postural drainage, percussion, and vibration to help break up thick secretions and get them out of the patient. Imagine somebody banging on your back or shaking you up with a vibrating vest. It could make sure you have all the necessary equipment ready. This includes a suction catheter, suction machine, and sterile saline solution. It's important to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself and the patient from potential infection. When suctioning, be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure, as this can cause tissue damage. Insert the catheter into the patient's airway only as far as necessary to remove secretions. Do not force it or cause unnecessary discomfort to the patient. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels and vital signs before, during, and after suctioning. If the patient's oxygen levels drop or their condition worsens, stop suctioning immediately and seek medical assistance. After suctioning, be sure to assess the patient's breathing and respiratory status. If there are any concerns or complications, notify the healthcare provider right away. Remember to document the procedure and any findings or observations accurately and promptly. So that's the information on suctioning. Make sure to review card number 135 for more details and guidelines. Preoxygenate, or hyperoxygenate, you might hear it called, your patient. So give them 100% oxygen because when you suction, you're not just removing fluids. You might also be removing gases, such as oxygen. So we want to make sure that they are fully oxygenated before we suction. Never, ever, ever apply suction while inserting the catheter. You apply suction intermittently as you withdraw the catheter. So it would be like psh, psh, psh, psh. You're very welcome for that excellent example. That's why I'm not an actress. But that's what you want to do. Don't insert the catheter with suction, and don't use constant suction while you're withdrawing the catheter. Make sure you limit suctioning to 10 to 15 seconds per pass and three total passes. Think about it. First of all, it's disruptive to have something in the mouth, right? That's going to be very upsetting for your patient, in most cases. But also, like I said, it could cause their oxygen saturation levels to drop. So we want to make sure that we are not doing that too much. We give the patient a chance to recover and breathe in between suctioning passes and breathe in between suctioning attempts so that we limit that amount of time that we are removing the gas from them. That would not be very good. Okay. So that is it for oxygen delivery devices, interventions for oxygenation, and suctioning. I hope that review was helpful. If it was, please like this video so that I know. If you have a great way to remember something, I want to hear it. Please put it in the comments below so that I can see it. And be sure you subscribe to the channel so that you can be the first to know when new videos drop. The next one that's coming out in the series is a biggie. It's going to be chest tubes, artificial Airway, tracheostomy care, and home oxygen safety. You know if it has to do with oxygenation, it's important. So definitely be sure to join me over there. Thanks so much and happy studying.