OXYGEN THERAPY

TYPE

Nasal Cannula (NC)

Simple Face Mask

Venturi Mask (Venti Mask)

Partial Rebreather Mask

Non-Rebreather Mask

FIO2
1L = 24%
2L = 28%
3L = 32%
4L = 36%
5L = 40%
6L = 44%
Dont increase greater than 6L
Humidify after 4L
5-8 L = 40 - 60%
Must be at least 5L to flush out
CO2, otherwise will retain CO2

ADVANTAGES

Can move, talk, eat

DISADVANTAGES

Must fit well

Uncomfortable
Must be removed to eat
If vomits, can aspirate
Pressure sores face, nose,
ears

Same as simple face mask

Provides accurate FIO2

Best for COPD when NC
not enough
High humidity

6 - 10 L yields 60 - 80% FIO2

No flaps

Provides high FIO2

Reservoir bag conserves O2
Able to rebreathe own CO2

Same as other face masks

If bag deflates, rebreathes
exhaled air only and can
suffocate

6 - 15 L yields 95 - 100%
Has flaps

Provides highest FIO2; if

does not work, prepare for
intubation.
Reservoir bag conserves O2
Does not rebreathe CO2 due
to internal flap

Same as other face masks

Can suffocate if bag deflates

24 - 50%
Adapter tells what L flow to use
for desired FIO2

Easily dislodged
Pressure sores: nose, ears,
cheeks
Dry nasal mucosa

Provides higher FIO2 than

NC

NURSING
INTERVENTIONS

Ensure O2 is on and tubing

to O2 source secure.
Cleanse nostrils, check for
drying; NS spray prn.
Check for signs of pressure.
Pad ears, etc., prn
Sometimes effective over
mouth of mouth breather
Cleanse mask q 2 hrs
Check on changing to NC
during eating
Assess for signs of pressure
and pad prn
Close watch if nauseated
Same as simple face mask
Check orders, Venturi
adapter and O2 flow meter
Air entrainment ports must
not be occluded
No flaps
Not used with COPD
Do NOT allow bag to
deflate; keep flow rate high
enough to keep bag inflated
2/3 full
External flaps on front of
mask close during
inspiration and open with
expiration
Internal flap between
mask/reservoir bag opens
during inspiration and closes
during expiration
Keep flow rate high enough
to keep bag 2/3 full

TYPE

Face Tent

FIO2

4 - 8 L yields 30 - 55%

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

NURSING
INTERVENTIONS

Used for facial trauma and

burns
Used frequently in PACU

Difficult to determine FIO2

being delivered

Assess for pressure

Assess for adequate
oxygenation

Aerosol Mask

24 - 100%
Start with at least 10 L flow

Provides high humidity after

extubation, airway surgery
or to thin thick secretions

Same as other face masks

Difficult to determine FIO2
being delivered

Same as for other face masks

Empty water from tubing
prn--site for hosting
infection

Trach Collar

24 - 100%
Start with at least 10 L flow

Can deliver high humidity

and O2 directly over
tracheostomy for client
breathing on their own

Can accumulate secretions

and increase chance of
infection

Cleanse q 2 - 4 hours and

prn
Empty water from tubing
prn--site for hosting
infection and annoying
putt-putt noise

T-Tube

24 - 100%
Start with at least 10 L flow

Can deliver high humidity

and O2 to intubated client
breathing on their own

Exhalation end of T must

remain unoccluded or can
suffocate
Can drag on ET or Trach
Exhalation end of T can drip
water and secretions on
client/bed

Empty secretions prn

Assess for occlusion of
exhalation end
Keep tubing from pulling
on ET or Trach
Empty water from tubing
prn--site for hosting
infection and annoying
putt-putt noise