Question

8. During your home visit with Mrs. Emma Rock, she complains that the nasal cannula she has been wearing is irritating her cheeks and behind her ears. What are two ways the PSW could assist her?

 9. Name two products that should be avoided when a client is using oxygen. For each product name a safer alternative.

10. List three ways that Oxygen may be supplied to the client. 

11. When clients have dyspnea (difficult or painful breathing), they are often anxious and upset. What are two interventions the PSW could do to help reduce their anxiety? 

12. Name three breathing illnesses that may require the client to use oxygen on either a temporary or continuous basis.

13. Your client complains he is SOB and asks you, his PSW, to turn their oxygen up "just a bit." The oxygen is currently running at the prescribed amount of 3L per minute. How do you respond to your client? 

Answer 1

8. 1. By applying a thin layer of water-based lubricant at the ends of the prongs of the nasal cannula

2. By adjusting the slider of the cannula and making it a little tighter and lifting it above cheeks can significantly reduce the irritation

9. Products to be avoided : Petroleum-based creams (ex. Vaseline) and woolen blankets or synthetic fabrics (have the tendency to produce static electricity)

Alternative products : Non-petroleum based products (ex. water-based moisturizers) and cotton fabrics products.

10. There are three types of oxygen supply systems - Compressed oxygen tanks, Liquid oxygen case and oxygen concentrator.

There are three types of oxygen breathing devices - Nasal cannula, Oxygen mask and Transtracheal oxygen

11. Restricting the caffeine and nicotine intake and trying physical exercise along with controlled breathing techniques.

12. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Cystic fibrosis and Sleep apnea

13. As a responsible PSW, it is my duty to first check the patients pulse oximetry, respiratory pattern and level of consciousness to make sure that adequate oxygen therapy is being provided. I would also crosscheck the oxygen therapy equipment, whether it is properly connected or not and the rate is according to the prescribed value or not, potential leakage. Then I will try to identify the factor that is causing shortness of breath to the patient. Any changes made by me will be based on the orders of the physician.