Oxygen is a medication and must be administered according to order. Nurses must monitor respiratory status, equipment function, skin integrity, and fire safety.
Nurse Responsibilities
- Verify oxygen order: flow rate, delivery device, continuous/PRN use, target oxygen saturation if ordered.
- Monitor oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, lung sounds, shortness of breath, cough, mental status, and activity tolerance.
- Ensure tubing is connected and free of kinks.
- Use humidification if ordered.
- Monitor skin behind ears, nares, and face.
- Follow no-smoking and oxygen-storage safety rules.
- Notify provider for worsening respiratory distress, low oxygen saturation, chest pain, cyanosis, altered mental status, or increased oxygen need.