Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
OXYGEN THERAPY FOR A CHILD
Administration of supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate tissue oxygenation.
Purpose
- Correct hypoxemia
- Reduce work of breathing
- Support respiratory function
- Prevent organ damage
Indications
- Hypoxemia
- Respiratory distress
- Shock
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Post-resuscitation
Equipment
- Oxygen source
- Flow meter
- Delivery device (nasal cannula, mask, hood)
- Humidifier
- Oxygen analyzer
- Pulse oximeter
Preparation
- Verify oxygen order
- Check equipment
- Select appropriate device
- Explain to family
Procedure steps
- Assess oxygenation status
- Select appropriate device
- Set prescribed flow rate
- Apply delivery device
- Secure comfortably
- Monitor oxygen saturation
- Assess skin integrity
- Document therapy
Precautions
- Monitor for oxygen toxicity
- Ensure fire safety
- Maintain humidification
- Check equipment function
Aftercare
- Monitor continuously
- Assess skin under device
- Wean as tolerated
- Document response
Nursing considerations
- Use age-appropriate devices
- Minimize restraint
- Consider developmental needs
Patient education
- Explain oxygen purpose
- Teach safety precautions
- Discuss weaning process
Documentation
- Device type
- Flow rate
- FiO2
- SpO2 readings
- Skin assessment
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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