Care of the patient requiring oxygen therapy:

1. Management

  • Optimise patient positioning where their condition allows

  • Give additional support in the form of nebulisers, mucolytics, diuretic therapy where needed

  • Wean oxygen therapy as tolerated and monitor saturations frequently after any alterations in flow

2. Monitoring

  • Ensure observations are taken according to trust policy

  • Any increase in oxygen requirement needs prompt escalation

  • If transferring the patient ensure you have enough portable oxygen

3. Patient comfort

  • Remember to switch to humidified oxygen in patients are on >28% FiO2 for longer than 24 hours to prevent drying of secretions

  • Pay attention to skin integrity, particularly around the nairs, above the ears and cheeks

  • Maintain oral hygiene

  • Avoid oxygen tubing becoming a trip hazard when mobilising patients