|
| Q.
What types of mask are in our large
bag? |
| A. There are 3 types of
mask in our large bag: |
- 100% mask - has the thin plastic reservoir bag.
There are adult and child 100% masks in the bags. Click
to see what one looks like.
- 24-28% mask - has no bag attached. There are adult and child 24-28%
masks in the bags. Click
to see what one looks like.
- The BVM (bag valve mask) - has a thicker, more rigid bag. This is
used in place of mouth to mouth. There are adult and child BVMs in the
bags. Click
to see what one looks like.
|
| Q. Which mask
should I use? |
| A. This depends on the
condition of the patient: |
- For all patients except bronchitic or
emphysemic patients, or anyone who suffers from
chronic
asthma. Use the 100% mask and set the flow rate at the cylinder at 15
litres per minute
- For bronchitic or emphysemic patients, or anyone
having an asthma attack, use the 24-28% mask and set the flow rate at
the cylinder at 4 litres per minute
- For resuscitation, i.e. if the patient is not
breathing himself, use the BVM. Set the flow rate at the
cylinder at 15 litres per minute and squeeze the bag at a rate of 12 to
15 breaths per minute
|
| Q. What if a
patient does not want a mask? |
| A. Assure him that oxygen
will ease his discomfort and hold the mask slightly away from his face if
that helps |
| |
| Q. Are there
any circumstances where I shouldn't give oxygen? |
| A. Oxygen therapy should
never be withheld from any patient suffering from
Hypoxia
except for instances of Paraquat poisoning where the oxygen
increases the toxicity of the poison. |
| |
| Q. Should I
record all instances where medical oxygen has been given to a
patient? |
| A. Yes. Oxygen is a
Prescription Only Medicine and we are required by law to report its use.
We must record: |
- The concentration given, i.e. 28% @ 4 litres per
minute or 100% @ 15 litres per minute
- How long it was
given
- The effects it had on the
patient
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