Question

Please 200 words thanks

Why is calculating tank duration important? In what areas of the hospital or medical care do you think this equation would come in handy?  

Please give one example where you think as a respiratory therapist you will use this in your career?

Answer 1

Oxygen tanks are specially made to hold oxygen in a compressed gaseous form which could be available when a client has respiratory insufficiency admitted in the hospital.

The body is capable of taking in oxygen that is supplied to all the parts of the body for normal function. As respiration is a life process and is very essential. If the process is inadequate and the patient is unable to take in oxygen. The body is deprived of it leading to life threatening issues.

Hence oxygen therapy is the essential to increase oxygen saturation and provides oxygen to the tissues. It increases the oxygen in the blood and decreases shortness of breath.

Calculating the oxygen tanks is important as to estimate the approximate time left in the oxygen tank based on the oxygen flow.

The formula which is used to calculate the oxygen is as follows.

Duration of flow = oxygen tank conversion factor *remaining tank pressure / continuous flow rate L/mintute.

Tank duration is minute

Tank pressure in psi

Flow rate in litre / mixture

It is important to calculate the tank duration By using the above equation, the remaining pressure in the tank can be calculated. As oxygen therapy is provided to a client who has respiratory issues like hypoxemia, severe respiratory distress , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in such conditions the individual is not likely capable to maintain their oxygen levels. So continuous oxygen has to be provided until the condition improves and checking the tank duration is important.

This equation would come in handy in the emergency department and the respiratory intensive care unit. As severe respiratory distress conditions are admitted and they require continuous oxygenation till condition improves.

As a respiratory therapist ensuring the oxygen levels is a main criteria in providing treatment to the client. When providing oxygen therapy to a client it is important to calculate the oxygen pressure and be aware as to when to change the oxygen tank. As delay in the task could be fatal.

Being compasionate and having critical thinking skills is important to make rapid assessments and communicating with the other health care team members are also essential

Managing the equipment used in the oxygen administration is important .

Patients with severe respiratory diseases are often kept on oxygen therapy. Hence managing and analysing the blood samples and artificial airways is essential. The therapist requires scientific knowledge and skills. They conduct test to measure the lung function and also provide health education to the client regarding they ways to manage asthma and other respiratory conditions .