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How do you use a nasal cannula?

Administering Oxygen via a Nasal Cannula


  1. Review chart for physician's order for oxygen to ensure that it includes method of delivery, flow rate, titration orders; identify client.
    Rationale: Prevents potential errors.
  2. Wash your hands.
    Rationale: Handwashing reduces transmission of microorganisms.

  1. Identify client and proceed with 5 rights of medication administration . Explain procedure to client. Explain that oxygen will ease dyspnea or discomfort, and inform client concerning safety precautions associated with oxygen use. Encourage him or her to breathe through the nose.
    Rationale: Oxygen is a drug and administering using the 5 rights avoids potential errors. Teaching helps ensure compliance with therapy.
  1. Assist client to semi- or high Fowler's position, if tolerated.
    Rationale: These positions facilitate optimal lung expansion.
  2. Insert flowmeter into wall outlet. Attach oxygen tubing to nozzle on flowmeter. If using a high O2 flow, attach humidifier . Attach oxygen tubing to humidifier .
    Rationale: Oxygen in high concentrations can be drying to the mucosa.
Turn on the oxygen at the prescribed rate . Check that oxygen is flowing through tubing.
Rationale: Oxygen must be administered as prescribed.

  1. Hold nasal cannula in proper position with prongs curving downward .
  2. Place cannula prongs into nares.
  3. Wrap tubing over and behind ears .
  4. Adjust plastic slide under chin until cannula fits snugly.
  5. Place gauze at ear beneath tubing as necessary.
    Rationale: Proper placement in nares ensures accurate administration. Note: The cannula permits some freedom of movement and does not interfere with the client's ability to eat or talk.
    1. If prongs dislodge from nares, replace promptly.
      Rationale: To ensure correct oxygen delivery and prevent hypoxemia.
    2. Assess for proper functioning of equipment and observe client's initial response to therapy.
      Rationale: Assessment of vital signs, oxygen saturation, color, breathing pattern, and orientation helps the nurse evaluate effectiveness of therapy and detect clinical evidence of hypoxia.
    3. Monitor continuous therapy by assessing for pressure areas on the skin and nares every 2 hours and rechecking flow rate every 4 to 8 hours.
      Rationale: Permit early detection of skin breakdown or inadequate flow rate.

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