This document outlines the procedure for providing oxygen therapy to a patient. It details the 7 key steps: 1) assessment to determine need and verify orders, 2) planning by preparing supplies and educating the patient, 3) implementation including setting up equipment, applying the delivery device, and monitoring the patient, 4) evaluation through documentation. The purpose is to provide oxygen to a patient as prescribed and ensure safety. Proper hand hygiene, equipment setup, delivery device application, and ongoing assessment are emphasized.

1. St. Michael’s College
College of Nursing
Iligan City
Name: ___________________________________________ Group: __________________
Clinical Instructor: __________________________________ Date: ____________________
Oxygenation
Concept:__________________________________________________________________________________
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Purpose::__________________________________________________________________________________
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Equipment:________________________________________________________________________________
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Procedure Written Rationale
Oral
Rationale
Performed
Yes No Done
Not
Done
1. Assessment:
1. Determine the need for
oxygen therapy.
2. Verify the doctor’s order for
the therapy.
2. Planning:
1. Prepare the patient and
support people / significant
others.
2. Assist the patient to a semi
- fowler’s position if
possible.
3. Explain that oxygen is not
dangerous if safety
precautions are observed.
Inform the patient and
support people about the
safety precautions
connected with oxygen
use.
4. Prepare all the materials/
equipment needed for the
oxygen therapy.

2. Materials:
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________
3. Implementation:
1. Explain to the patient what
you are going to do, why it is
necessary, and how he or
she can cooperate. Discuss
how the effects of the oxygen
therapy will be used in
planning for further care or
treatments.
2. Wash hands thoroughly and
observe appropriate
infection control procedures.
3. Set up the oxygen equipment
and the humidifier.
 Attach flow meter to the
wall outlet or tank. The flow
meter should be in the OFF
position.
 If needed, fill the humidifier
bottle (this can be done
before coming to the
bedside).
 Attach the humidifier bottle
to the base of the meter.
 Attach the prescribed
oxygen tubing and delivery
device to the humidifier.
4. Turn on the oxygen at the
prescribed rate, and ensure
proper functioning.
 Check that the oxygen is
flowing freely through the
tubing. There should be no
kinks in the tubing, and the
connections should be
airtight. There should be
bubbles in the humidifier as
the oxygen flows through.
You should feel the oxygen at
the outlets of the cannula,
mask or tent.
 Set the oxygen at the flow
rate ordered.

3. 5. Apply the appropriate
oxygen delivery device.
Cannula
Put the cannula over the
patient’s face, with the outlet
prongs fitting into the nares
and the elastic band around
the head.
If the cannula will not stay in
place, tape it at the sides of
the face.
Pad the tubing and band over
the ears and cheekbones as
needed.
Face Mask
 Guide the mask toward the
patient’s face, and apply it
from the nose downward.
 Fit the mask to the contours
of the patient’s face.
 Secure the elastic band
around the patient’s head so
that the mask is comfortable
but snug.
 Pad the band behind the ears
and over bony prominences.
Face Tent
 Place the tent over the
patient’s face, and secure the
ties around the head.
6. Assess the patient regularly.
 Assess the patient’s vital
signs, level of anxiety, color,
and ease of respirations, and
provide support while the
patient adjusts to the device.
 Assess the patient in 15-30
minutes, depending on the
patient’s condition and
regularly thereafter.
 Assess the patient regularly
for clinical signs of hypoxia,
tachycardia, confusion,
dyspnea, restlessness, and
cyanosis. Review arterial
blood gas if they are
available.

4. Nasal Cannula
 Assess the patient’s nares for
encrustations and irritation.
Apply a water-soluble
lubricant as required to
soothe the mucous
membranes.
Face Mask or Tent
 Inspect the facial skin
frequently for dampness or
chafing, and dry and treat it
as needed.
7. Inspect the equipment on a
regular basis.
 Check the liter flow and the
level of water in the humidifier
in 30 minutes and whenever
providing care to the patient.
 Make sure that safety
precautions are being
followed and observed.
4. Evaluation:
1. Document findings in the
patient record using forms or
checklists supplemented by
narrative notes when
appropriate.