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, reminiscent of these with persistent obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD) or pneumonia. Nasal cannulas are additionally used to manage medicines, reminiscent of bronchodilators and antibiotics.
Nasal cannulas are comparatively straightforward to make use of and could be inserted with out the necessity for particular coaching. Nonetheless, you will need to observe the producer’s directions rigorously to make sure that the cannula is inserted accurately and is delivering the correct quantity of oxygen.
There are a couple of various kinds of nasal cannulas obtainable, together with:
- Commonplace nasal cannulas have two prongs which can be inserted into the nostrils.
- Excessive-flow nasal cannulas ship a better circulate of oxygen than normal nasal cannulas and are sometimes used for individuals who want extra oxygen help.
- Transtracheal oxygen catheters are inserted by way of 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 rely on the person affected person’s wants.
1. Positioning
Correct positioning is necessary when inserting a nasal cannula to make sure that the cannula is inserted accurately and is delivering the correct quantity of oxygen. If the affected person will not be sitting upright, the cannula is probably not inserted to the proper depth and will not ship the correct quantity of oxygen. If the affected person’s head will not be tilted again, the cannula is probably not inserted within the right route and will not ship the oxygen to the proper a part of the lungs.
As well as, correct positioning might help to cut back the danger of problems, 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 correct quantity 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 the 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, it is best to test the oxygen circulate price to make sure that the affected person is receiving the correct quantity of oxygen.
2. Depth
The depth to which the nasal cannula is inserted is a vital think about making certain that the affected person is receiving the correct quantity of oxygen. If the cannula is inserted too deeply, it could irritate the nasal passages and trigger discomfort. If the cannula will not be inserted deeply sufficient, it might not ship the correct quantity of oxygen to the lungs.
The proper 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 will ship oxygen on to the lungs.
There are a couple of easy steps that you would be able to observe to make sure that the nasal cannula is inserted to the proper 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 the 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, it is best to test the oxygen circulate price to make sure that the affected person is receiving the correct quantity of oxygen.
3. Oxygen Stream
Oxygen circulate is a vital element of nasal cannula use as a result of it determines the quantity of oxygen that’s delivered to the affected person. The oxygen circulate price ought to be set in accordance with the affected person’s wants, making an allowance for components such because the affected person’s respiratory price, oxygen saturation ranges, and exercise stage.
If the oxygen circulate price is just too low, the affected person might not obtain sufficient oxygen to satisfy their wants. This could result in signs reminiscent of shortness of breath, fatigue, and confusion. If the oxygen circulate price is just too excessive, it could trigger discomfort and irritation of the nasal passages. In some circumstances, excessive oxygen circulate charges can even result in a situation referred to as oxygen toxicity, which may injury the lungs.
It is very important observe the physician’s orders when setting the oxygen circulate price. The physician will decide the suitable circulate price primarily based on the affected person’s particular person wants.
Listed here are some suggestions for setting the oxygen circulate price:
- Begin with a low circulate price and step by step enhance 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 circulate price as wanted to keep up the affected person’s oxygen saturation ranges within the desired vary.
By following the following tips, you’ll be able to assist to make sure that the affected person is receiving the correct quantity of oxygen.
FAQs about Nasal Cannulas
Nasal cannulas are a typical 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 could 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 ought to be inserted to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches. The prongs ought to be positioned simply contained in the nostrils.
Query 2: How do I do know if the nasal cannula is delivering the correct quantity of oxygen?
The oxygen circulate price ought to be set in accordance with the affected person’s wants. The circulate price ought 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 typically ought to I modify the nasal cannula?
The nasal cannula ought to be modified day by day or two. Nonetheless, it might should be modified extra typically 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 guarantee 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 maintain the cannula dry.
Query 6: What are the advantages of utilizing a nasal cannula?
Nasal cannulas are a protected and efficient approach to ship oxygen to sufferers who want supplemental oxygen. They’re comparatively straightforward to make use of and could 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.
When you’ve got another questions on nasal cannulas, please speak to your physician or respiratory therapist.
Abstract of key takeaways:
- Nasal cannulas are a protected and efficient approach to ship oxygen to sufferers who want supplemental oxygen.
- Nasal cannulas are comparatively straightforward to make use of and could be inserted with out the necessity for particular coaching.
- The nasal cannula ought to be inserted to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches.
- The oxygen circulate price ought to be set in accordance with the affected person’s wants.
- The nasal cannula ought to be modified day by 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.
Ideas for Utilizing Nasal Cannulas
Nasal cannulas are a typical 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 ensure you are utilizing them accurately and getting probably the most profit from them.
Tip 1: Place the nasal cannula accurately. The nasal cannula ought to be inserted to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches. The prongs ought to be positioned simply contained in the nostrils.
Tip 2: Set the oxygen circulate price accurately. The oxygen circulate price ought to be set in accordance with your physician’s orders. The circulate price ought 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 usually. The nasal cannula ought to be modified day by day or two. Nonetheless, it might should be modified extra typically if it turns into dirty or broken.
Tip 4: Maintain the nasal cannula clear. The nasal cannula ought to be cleaned each day with cleaning soap and water. You may as well use a light bleach resolution to wash the cannula.
Tip 5: Keep away from kinking or twisting the nasal cannula. Kinking or twisting the nasal cannula can block the circulate of oxygen. Make sure that the cannula is straight and untangled earlier than utilizing it.
Tip 6: Safe the nasal cannula in place. The nasal cannula could be secured in place with a bit of tape or a strap. It will assist to forestall the cannula from falling out.
Tip 7: Use a humidifier. A humidifier might help to moisten the air and make it extra comfy to breathe. This may be particularly useful when you have dry nasal passages.
Tip 8: Speak to your physician or respiratory therapist. When you’ve got any questions or issues about utilizing a nasal cannula, speak to your physician or respiratory therapist. They’ll offer you extra info and help.
Abstract of key takeaways:
- Place the nasal cannula accurately.
- Set the oxygen circulate price accurately.
- Change the nasal cannula usually.
- Maintain 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 when you have any questions or issues.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
By following the following tips, 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 approach to ship oxygen to sufferers who want supplemental oxygen. They’re comparatively straightforward to make use of and could 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 correct quantity of oxygen.
When you’ve got any questions or issues about utilizing a nasal cannula, please speak to your physician or respiratory therapist. They’ll offer you extra info and help.
