Overview
Introduction
Oxygen therapy is the controlled delivery of oxygen at a concentration greater than ambient air to treat or prevent hypoxemia and tissue hypoxia.
Oxygen therapy is the controlled delivery of oxygen at a concentration greater than ambient air to treat or prevent hypoxemia and tissue hypoxia. The goal is not to obtain the highest possible SpO2; it is to correct inadequate oxygenation while avoiding complications from unnecessary oxygen exposure. In the United States, medical oxygen is a prescription drug that must meet the Oxygen USP monograph, including a minimum of 99.0% oxygen by volume. A routine order should identify the device, flow rate or FiO2, and target saturation range. Emergency administration under an established protocol is the usual exception. Within state law, facility policy, and supervision requirements, the LVN/LPN verifies the order, assembles the equipment, applies the prescribed therapy, reassesses the patient, and promptly reports an inadequate response or deterioration.