Supplemental Oxygen
Definition
Supplemental oxygen is oxygen added at a level greater than the oxygen in room air. It is used for people with hypoxemia.
- 21% in the air we all breathe
- 22-100% is additional or supplemental oxygen
- Oxygen is delivered through a flow meter and delivered as liters per minute.
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- Oxygen concentrator –an electric device that filters oxygen from room air.
- Liquid oxygen – gaseous oxygen cooled until it becomes liquid oxygen.
- Oxygen cylinders – gaseous oxygen forced by pressure into metal containers.
- Each system functions similarly, and delivers a set amount of gaseous oxygen as ordered by a physician’s prescription.
- Each system has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
- Each system has its own storage, transport and safety issues.
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- Store in one place, but not in a closed space.
- Keep oxygen at least 5 feet away from heat sources, electrical devices, and from anything that may spark, such as matches or cigarettes.
- Remember, oxygen will feed a fire and make it spread more quickly.
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- Supplemental oxygen can be provided to the child with a tracheostomy through the heated mist system, the ventilator, nebulizer treatments and the artificial nose.
- The type of oxygen system used is based on the child’s needs including: ordered liter flow, portability and hours per day of use.
- It is important to know how to safely use oxygen in the home and during transport.