Oxygen therapy for acutely ill medical patients: a clinical practice guideline (2024)

FAQs

What is the guideline for emergency oxygen use in adult patients? ›

Oxygen should be prescribed to achieve a target saturation of 94–98% for most acutely ill patients or 88–92% for those at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure (tables 1–3). The target saturation should be written (or ringed) on the drug chart (guidance in fig 1).

Oxygen therapy is essential to counter hypoxaemia and many a times is the difference between life and death. This manual focuses on the availability and clinical use of oxygen therapy in children in health facilities by providing the practical aspects for health workers, biomedical engineers, and administrators.

ANZCOR Guideline 9.2. 10 - The Use of Oxygen in Emergencies.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will cover the home use of oxygen as detailed in Section 240.2 of the CMS National Coverage Determinations Manual for beneficiaries who have arterial oxygen partial pressure measurements from 56 to 65 mmHg or oxygen saturation at or above 89% when they are enrolled in ...

Oxygen treatment is usually not necessary unless the SpO₂ is less than 92%. That is, do not give oxygen if the SpO₂ is ≥ 92%. Oxygen therapy (concentration and flow) may be varied in most circ*mstances without specific medical orders, but medical orders override these standing orders.

It provides a more efficient way to manage capital and is unique from other borrow lending protocols in three ways: Multiple uses of the same collateral. Oxygen enables you to generate yield on your portfolio through lending out your assets and borrowing other assets at the same time.

For the otherwise healthy patient, oxygen saturation targets are generally at 92 to 98%. For patients with chronic hypercapnic conditions, target oxygen saturations are generally between 88 to 92%, with oxygen administration indicated at saturations below these levels.

In which conditions oxygen therapy is required? ›

Supplemental oxygen therapy helps people with COPD, COVID-19, emphysema, sleep apnea and other breathing problems get enough oxygen to function and stay well. Low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) can damage organs and be life-threatening. You may need oxygen therapy for life or temporarily.

An arterial PO2 at or below 55 mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or below 88%, taken during exercise [defined as either the functional performance of the patient or a formal exercise test], for a patient who demonstrates an arterial PO2 at or above 56 mm Hg, or an arterial oxygen saturation at or above 89%, ...

Oxygen should be prescribed to achieve a target saturation of 94–98% for most acutely ill patients or 88–92% or patient-specific target range for those at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure (tables 1⇓⇓–4).

The FDA recognizes both emergency and prescription oxygen. Emergency devices may be used legally by a non-health care workplace first aider who has completed a course in oxygen administration.

If necessary, supplementary oxygen should be given concurrently by nasal prongs at 1-4 litres per minute to maintain an oxygen saturation of 88-92% or other specified target range. All patients requiring 35% or greater oxygen therapy should have their nebulised therapy by oxygen at a flow rate of 6-8 litres/minute.

Consider administering emergency oxygen for: An adult breathing fewer than 12 or more than 20 breaths per minute. A child breathing fewer than 15 or more than 30 breaths per minute. An infant breathing fewer than 25 or more than 50 breaths per minute.

Flow rates greater than 4 L/min may become uncomfortable over time, but 4–6 L/min delivering 36–44% oxygen should be adequate supplementation for most medical emergencies if the patient is breathing. For routine supplementation during minimal or moderate procedural sedation, 2 L/min or 28% oxygen is conventional.

Oxygen therapy in the acute setting (in hospital)

Therefore, give oxygen at 24% (via a Venturi mask) at 2-3 L/minute or at 28% (via Venturi mask, 4 L/minute) or nasal cannula at 1-2 L/minute. Aim for oxygen saturation 88-92% for patients with a history of COPD until arterial blood gases (ABGs) have been checked .