Oxygen Therapy and Delivery Systems
Oxygen therapy corrects hypoxaemia. Nurses select appropriate delivery devices, monitor saturation, and observe safety precautions around oxygen.
Practice Oxygen Therapy with PassMate AI →Key Points to Know
What you must know about Oxygen Therapy
A nasal cannula delivers low-flow oxygen (about 1–6 L/min, ~24–44%).
A simple face mask delivers about 5–8 L/min; a non-rebreather mask delivers the highest concentration.
Oxygen supports combustion — no smoking or naked flames near oxygen.
Humidify oxygen at higher flow rates to prevent drying of mucous membranes.
Monitor SpO2 and respiratory status; titrate oxygen to target saturation.
In some COPD patients, high-flow oxygen must be given cautiously (risk of CO2 retention).
NMCN Exam Tips
How this topic appears in the NMCN exam
Oxygen supports combustion — "no smoking/naked flame" is a common safety answer.
Know approximate flow rates and concentrations for each device.
Non-rebreather mask delivers the highest oxygen concentration.
Humidification prevents mucosal drying at high flow.
Practice Question
Test yourself
An important safety instruction for a patient receiving oxygen therapy at home is to:
Explanation
Oxygen supports combustion, so patients must avoid smoking and keep oxygen away from open flames and heat sources. Flow rates should not be self-adjusted, and oil-based products around oxygen are a fire hazard.
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