A nasal cannula is a skinny, versatile tube that’s inserted into the nostril to ship oxygen. It’s a widespread methodology of oxygen supply for individuals who want supplemental oxygen, corresponding to these with continual obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD) or pneumonia. Nasal cannulas are additionally used to manage drugs, corresponding to bronchodilators and antibiotics.
Nasal cannulas are comparatively straightforward to make use of and will be inserted with out the necessity for particular coaching. Nonetheless, you will need to observe the producer’s directions fastidiously to make sure that the cannula is inserted accurately and is delivering the right amount of oxygen.
There are a number of several types of nasal cannulas out there, together with:
- Commonplace nasal cannulas have two prongs which can be inserted into the nostrils.
- Excessive-flow nasal cannulas ship the next movement of oxygen than commonplace nasal cannulas and are sometimes used for individuals who want extra oxygen assist.
- Transtracheal oxygen catheters are inserted by the neck and into the trachea. They’re used for individuals who want long-term oxygen remedy.
The kind of nasal cannula that’s used will depend upon the person affected person’s wants.
1. Positioning
Correct positioning is essential when inserting a nasal cannula to make sure that the cannula is inserted accurately and is delivering the right amount of oxygen. If the affected person will not be sitting upright, the cannula might not be inserted to the right depth and should not ship the right amount of oxygen. If the affected person’s head will not be tilted again, the cannula might not be inserted within the appropriate route and should not ship the oxygen to the right a part of the lungs.
As well as, correct positioning may also help to cut back the danger of issues, such asand irritation. By following the steps above, you’ll be able to assist to make sure that the nasal cannula is inserted accurately and is delivering the right amount of oxygen.
Listed here are some suggestions for positioning the affected person for nasal cannula insertion:
- Have the affected person sit upright in a chair with their head barely tilted again.
- Ask the affected person to take a deep breath and maintain it.
- Gently insert the nasal cannula into the affected person’s nostril, pointing the prongs in direction of the again of the throat.
- Advance the nasal cannula to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches.
- Launch the affected person’s breath and ask them to breathe usually.
As soon as the nasal cannula is in place, you must test the oxygen movement price to make sure that the affected person is receiving the right amount of oxygen.
2. Depth
The depth to which the nasal cannula is inserted is a vital consider guaranteeing that the affected person is receiving the right amount of oxygen. If the cannula is inserted too deeply, it will probably irritate the nasal passages and trigger discomfort. If the cannula will not be inserted deeply sufficient, it could not ship the right amount of oxygen to the lungs.
The right depth for insertion of the nasal cannula is about 1 to 2 inches. This depth will make sure that the prongs of the cannula are positioned simply contained in the nostrils, the place they’ll ship oxygen on to the lungs.
There are a number of easy steps you could observe to make sure that the nasal cannula is inserted to the right depth:
- Have the affected person sit upright with their head barely tilted again.
- Ask the affected person to take a deep breath and maintain it.
- Gently insert the nasal cannula into the affected person’s nostril, pointing the prongs in direction of the again of the throat.
- Advance the nasal cannula to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches.
- Launch the affected person’s breath and ask them to breathe usually.
As soon as the nasal cannula is in place, you must test the oxygen movement price to make sure that the affected person is receiving the right amount of oxygen.
3. Oxygen Move
Oxygen movement is a vital part of nasal cannula use as a result of it determines the quantity of oxygen that’s delivered to the affected person. The oxygen movement price needs to be set in keeping with the affected person’s wants, taking into consideration elements such because the affected person’s respiratory price, oxygen saturation ranges, and exercise degree.
If the oxygen movement price is simply too low, the affected person could not obtain sufficient oxygen to fulfill their wants. This could result in signs corresponding to shortness of breath, fatigue, and confusion. If the oxygen movement price is simply too excessive, it will probably trigger discomfort and irritation of the nasal passages. In some instances, excessive oxygen movement charges also can result in a situation referred to as oxygen toxicity, which might injury the lungs.
You will need to observe the physician’s orders when setting the oxygen movement price. The physician will decide the suitable movement price primarily based on the affected person’s particular person wants.
Listed here are some suggestions for setting the oxygen movement price:
- Begin with a low movement price and step by step improve it till the affected person’s oxygen saturation ranges attain the specified vary.
- Monitor the affected person’s respiratory price and oxygen saturation ranges carefully.
- Modify the oxygen movement price as wanted to keep up the affected person’s oxygen saturation ranges within the desired vary.
By following the following pointers, you’ll be able to assist to make sure that the affected person is receiving the right amount of oxygen.
FAQs about Nasal Cannulas
Nasal cannulas are a standard methodology of delivering oxygen to sufferers who want supplemental oxygen. They’re skinny, versatile tubes which can be inserted into the nostril. Nasal cannulas are comparatively straightforward to make use of and will be inserted with out the necessity for particular coaching. Nonetheless, there are some widespread questions that individuals have about nasal cannulas.
Query 1: How deep ought to I insert the nasal cannula?
The nasal cannula needs to be inserted to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches. The prongs needs to be positioned simply contained in the nostrils.
Query 2: How do I do know if the nasal cannula is delivering the right amount of oxygen?
The oxygen movement price needs to be set in keeping with the affected person’s wants. The movement price needs to be excessive sufficient to offer the affected person with the wanted quantity of oxygen, however not so excessive that it causes discomfort.
Query 3: How usually ought to I alter the nasal cannula?
The nasal cannula needs to be modified day-after-day or two. Nonetheless, it could must be modified extra usually if it turns into dirty or broken.
Query 4: Can I sleep with a nasal cannula?
Sure, you’ll be able to sleep with a nasal cannula. Nonetheless, you will need to be sure that the cannula will not be kinked or twisted.
Query 5: Can I bathe with a nasal cannula?
Sure, you’ll be able to bathe with a nasal cannula. Nonetheless, you will need to preserve the cannula dry.
Query 6: What are the advantages of utilizing a nasal cannula?
Nasal cannulas are a protected and efficient strategy to ship oxygen to sufferers who want supplemental oxygen. They’re comparatively straightforward to make use of and will be inserted with out the necessity for particular coaching. Nasal cannulas are additionally comfy to put on and can be utilized for lengthy durations of time.
In case you have some other questions on nasal cannulas, please speak to your physician or respiratory therapist.
Abstract of key takeaways:
- Nasal cannulas are a protected and efficient strategy to ship oxygen to sufferers who want supplemental oxygen.
- Nasal cannulas are comparatively straightforward to make use of and will be inserted with out the necessity for particular coaching.
- The nasal cannula needs to be inserted to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches.
- The oxygen movement price needs to be set in keeping with the affected person’s wants.
- The nasal cannula needs to be modified day-after-day or two.
Transition to the following article part:
Now that you understand how to make use of a nasal cannula, you’ll be able to study extra about different strategies of oxygen supply.
Suggestions for Utilizing Nasal Cannulas
Nasal cannulas are a standard methodology of delivering oxygen to sufferers who want supplemental oxygen. They’re skinny, versatile tubes which can be inserted into the nostril. Nasal cannulas are comparatively straightforward to make use of, however there are some things you are able to do to be sure to are utilizing them accurately and getting probably the most profit from them.
Tip 1: Place the nasal cannula accurately. The nasal cannula needs to be inserted to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches. The prongs needs to be positioned simply contained in the nostrils.
Tip 2: Set the oxygen movement price accurately. The oxygen movement price needs to be set in keeping with your physician’s orders. The movement price needs to be excessive sufficient to offer you the wanted quantity of oxygen, however not so excessive that it causes discomfort.
Tip 3: Change the nasal cannula frequently. The nasal cannula needs to be modified day-after-day or two. Nonetheless, it could must be modified extra usually if it turns into dirty or broken.
Tip 4: Preserve the nasal cannula clear. The nasal cannula needs to be cleaned day by day with cleaning soap and water. It’s also possible to use a light bleach resolution to scrub the cannula.
Tip 5: Keep away from kinking or twisting the nasal cannula. Kinking or twisting the nasal cannula can block the movement of oxygen. Be sure that the cannula is straight and untangled earlier than utilizing it.
Tip 6: Safe the nasal cannula in place. The nasal cannula will be secured in place with a chunk of tape or a strap. This can assist to forestall the cannula from falling out.
Tip 7: Use a humidifier. A humidifier may also help to moisten the air and make it extra comfy to breathe. This may be particularly useful if in case you have dry nasal passages.
Tip 8: Speak to your physician or respiratory therapist. In case you have any questions or issues about utilizing a nasal cannula, speak to your physician or respiratory therapist. They’ll offer you extra info and assist.
Abstract of key takeaways:
- Place the nasal cannula accurately.
- Set the oxygen movement price accurately.
- Change the nasal cannula frequently.
- Preserve the nasal cannula clear.
- Keep away from kinking or twisting the nasal cannula.
- Safe the nasal cannula in place.
- Use a humidifier.
- Speak to your physician or respiratory therapist if in case you have any questions or issues.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
By following the following pointers, you’ll be able to guarantee that you’re utilizing your nasal cannula accurately and getting probably the most profit from it.
Conclusion
Nasal cannulas are a protected and efficient strategy to ship oxygen to sufferers who want supplemental oxygen. They’re comparatively straightforward to make use of and will be inserted with out the necessity for particular coaching. By following the steps outlined on this article, you’ll be able to make sure that the nasal cannula is inserted accurately and is delivering the right amount of oxygen.
In case you have any questions or issues about utilizing a nasal cannula, please speak to your physician or respiratory therapist. They’ll offer you extra info and assist.
