What are the best practices for administering oxygen therapy?

The best practice for administering oxygen therapy involves closely monitoring the patient’s response and adjusting the oxygen levels based on their oxygen saturation levels. This approach ensures that the patient receives the right amount of oxygen needed for their specific condition, improving therapeutic outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications associated with excess oxygen. Monitoring allows for personalized care; for instance, different patients may have varying needs, and adjustments may be necessary based on clinical assessments or pulse oximetry readings.

Using the highest possible concentration of oxygen without monitoring can lead to hyperoxia, which can cause lung injury or other adverse effects. Administering oxygen only on patient request may not address an underlying need for supplemental oxygen, particularly for those who may not be aware of their respiratory needs. Lastly, employing a continuous flow rate without any adjustments fails to account for fluctuations in a patient’s condition or oxygen demands, leading to either insufficient or excessive oxygen delivery. Hence, actively monitoring and adjusting oxygen therapy based on saturation levels stands out as the most effective and safe practice.