- James Paget University Hospital

James Paget University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
Oxygen What you need to know
Patient Information
You are having Oxygen Therapy as part of your treatment. This
leaflet has been designed to help you understand exactly what that
means.
What is oxygen?
We all need oxygen to live. It is a colourless, odourless gas and is
found in the air at a concentration of 21%.
Oxygen has to be prescribed by a doctor, or nurse who is qualified to
prescribe.
As a guideline for the doctor or nurse on how much oxygen to
prescribe he/she will look at your oxygen level in the blood (oxygen
saturations). This is done using a Pulse Oximeter (see picture below).
Why do you need oxygen?
In many respiratory conditions the levels of oxygen in your body may
be low. Oxygen is used to correct this.
A Pulse Oximeter
How your oxygen levels are measured
Oxygen levels can be measured painlessly by using a finger clip or a
smaller version which is attached to your ear lobe. The oximeter does
not take blood. Do not wear nail varnish as this might affect the
reading.
If necessary a doctor can take a more accurate reading of oxygen
levels by taking a blood sample from your artery. This is known as an
arterial blood gas (ABG). This can be more uncomfortable for you as
it means inserting a needle into the blood vessel in your wrist and
taking a small sample of blood.
Alternatively, a less uncomfortable blood test called a capillary blood
gas may be taken from your earlobe by pricking it with a small lancet
(similar to a pin prick).
Using this information a decision will be made as to how much
oxygen you will need, as too much oxygen can be as harmful as too
little.
How is oxygen given?
Oxygen is given using either a mask, which goes over the mouth and
nose, or nasal cannula, which are small prongs that sit in the nostrils.
You will hear staff talking about oxygen in both litres per minute and
as a percentage. The oxygen outlets in the hospital are measured in
litres per minute.
Important things to remember
• When using oxygen, the mouth and nose can become
very dry.
• It is important to drink plenty of water.
• If you use a lubricant on the lips, try to use water based
gels such as Oral Balance, KY Jelly or Aquagel. All
petroleum based lip salves and Vaseline should not be
used, including lipstick.
• Oxygen is a highly flammable gas, so it is important not
to smoke, have a naked flame or sparks near the oxygen.
Occasionally it may be necessary to continue the oxygen once you
are discharged home. If appropriate, this will be discussed with you
before your discharge, and home oxygen delivery arranged.
If you have any questions about oxygen or your condition
do not hesitate to ask a doctor or nurse.
Other sources of information
British Lung Foundation
Helpline:
03000 030 555
Website:
www.blf.org.uk
Email:
[email protected]
Great Yarmouth & Waveney Breathe Easy
Pamela Ormston
01502 730465
Breathe Easy Beccles & Bungay
Carol Fisk
01502 710926
Author: Adele Godbolt, Respiratory Nurse Specialist
in conjunction with
Respiratory Nursing Service
James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, Norfolk NR31 6LA
Telephone: (01493) 453423 Fax: (01493) 453423
The hospital is able to arrange for an
interpreter to assist you in
communicating effectively with staff
during your stay through INTRAN.
If you need an interpreter or a person to sign, please let us
know.
If you require a large print version of this
booklet, please contact PALS on
01493 453240
© April 2008, October 2012
James Paget University Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust
Review Date: October 2015 version 2
HE 4