Respiratory Care (Oxygen)

Children and adults with respiratory or heart problems have a hard time getting enough oxygen when they breathe. The goal of oxygen therapy and respiratory care is to boost or maintain the level of oxygen in the body.

Receiving an oxygen prescription

Your doctor will write an oxygen prescription that includes one or more of the following:

• The oxygen doses (in liters per minute) during exercise, rest, and sleep.
• The number of hours per day that you will need to use the oxygen.
• The way you will receive the oxygen (nasal cannula, mask, etc.).
• The type of oxygen supply system you will use. Compressed gas is prescribed most often and comes in a cylinder or tank.

Oxygen therapy is often delivered through an oxygen tank or an oxygen concentrator.

• Oxygen tanks/cylinders store a specific amount of compressed, purified oxygen. You can inhale this purified oxygen through a nasal cannula, which is a narrow tube with soft prongs that are placed in the nostrils. These cylinders will need to be occasionally replaced or refilled.
• Oxygen concentrators are electric machines that filter room air to make pure oxygen. They do not store oxygen — they produce and distribute it.

Oxygen tank safety

It is very important to understand that oxygen can be dangerous if not used correctly. Oxygen is flammable. This means it can make things burn easily or it can even explode. Follow these safety rules:

• Keep your oxygen tank away from all heat sources, including radiators, heat ducts, stoves, fireplaces, matches and lighters.
• Do not permit open flames or burning tobacco in the room where oxygen is being used.
• Keep the tank your child is using in the stand, and keep any other tanks lying on their sides and block them so that they do not roll around. This is important because if the valve post were to break off of a tank, it could cause considerable harm to anything in its path.

Be sure to use your oxygen tank or concentrator as directed to ensure proper oxygen delivery.

Respiratory care and oxygen therapy will help those with breathing trouble breathe more easily and feel better.

Oxygen therapy is often delivered through an oxygen tank or an oxygen concentrator.

Oxygen tanks/cylinders store a specific amount of compressed, purified oxygen. You can inhale this purified oxygen through a nasal cannula, which is a narrow tube with soft prongs that are placed in the nostrils. These cylinders will need to be occasionally replaced or refilled.

Oxygen Tanks/Cylinders

Oxygen tanks/cylinders store a specific amount of compressed, purified oxygen. You can inhale this purified oxygen through a nasal cannula, which is a narrow tube with soft prongs that are placed in the nostrils. These cylinders will need to be occasionally replaced or refilled.

How to use oxygen cylinders

1. Be sure the flow regulator knob is set at zero (see illustration 2).
2. Make sure the T-handle is tight.
3. Place the cylinder wrench on the cylinder’s on/off valve, located at the top of the cylinder.
4. Open the valve by turning it counterclockwise one full turn. As the valve opens, the gauge on the regulator will show the amount of pressure in the cylinder. A full cylinder will read about 2000 psi (pounds per square inch).
5. Adjust the flow regulator knob to the flow rate your doctor prescribed.
6. Attach tubing to the nipple adaptor on the regulator.

How to use the nasal cannula

You will receive an oxygen kit that has two lengths of tubing, a connector, and nasal cannulas. You’ll use a nasal cannula to breathe the oxygen. The cannula is a narrow tube with soft prongs that are placed in the nostrils. Be sure to place the prongs in your nostrils with the curve facing down.

• Change your cannula every two to four weeks to avoid infection. Also change it after you’ve been sick.
• Change your oxygen tubing every three to six months. If it’s damaged, change it right away.

When to change your oxygen cylinder

Check your pressure gauge often to make sure you don’t run out of oxygen (see the Cylinder Use Timeline on page 4). Always check the gauge when the valve is turned on. When the needle gets to the lower part of the red section on the gauge, it is time to change the cylinder. Be sure to change the cylinder before the needle gets below 200 psi.

It is important to keep a sufficient supply of full cylinders in your home in case of an emergency. Intermountain Homecare & Hospice will supply you with enough oxygen cylinders to last 1 month. Call to order more cylinders when your supply gets down to two cylinders or about 20% of the amount you received at your first delivery.

Oxygen Concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are electric machines that filter room air to make pure oxygen. They do not store oxygen — they produce and distribute it.

How to use a concentrator

1. Plug in the power cord directly to an electrical outlet. Do not use extension cords.
2. Connect the humidifier (if used).
3. Connect the oxygen tubing to the oxygen outlet (or humidifier bottle outlet if used), and fit the nasal cannula or mask to your face.
4. Press the power switch to “on,” and ensure the green indicator light comes on.
5. Turn the flowmeter knob to the setting prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the level of oxygen without your doctor’s consent.

Maintaining and cleaning

• Remove and clean each filter at least once a week. In areas with high dust, smoking, or other air pollutants, clean them more often.
• Vacuum external filters or wash them in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry fully.
• Wipe the concentrator cabinet with a damp cloth.
• Change your cannula every 2 – 4 weeks. Also change it after you’ve been sick.
• Change your oxygen tubing every 3 – 6 months. If it’s damaged, change it right away.

Continue to work with your doctor to manage the amount of oxygen you are receiving.

• Oxygen Use at Home