Question

An older adult in the hospital is on oxygen therapy. What are some special considerations for a person in this age group?

Answer 1

The main goal of oxygen therapy is maintain and restore blood oxygen levels, namely peripheral capillary oxygen saturation,oxygen therapy helps to relieve hypoxemia and maintain adequate oxygenation of vital organs of the body. Older adults with oxygen therapy the nurse should consider the following,

1. Give them comfortable position
2. Properly explain the procedure to the patient,and the importance of the procedure to help healing process
3. Explain what to do when sleep,when take food,and going to bath room etc, close monitor the oxygen saturation,
4. Monitor side effects like , nausea,morning head ache,dry nose and mouth etc,never tightly tie the mask band,
5. Give nasal canula when take food or drinks,
6. Properly communicate with the patient,
7. Frequently change the position of the patient in every 2 hrly inorder to avoid pressure sores.
8. Give psychological support and proper health education