A patient is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula and complains of nasal dryness. What should the nurse do to maintain comfort and oxygenation?
Humidify the oxygen
Oxygen from a cylinder or pipeline is dry and dries the nasal mucosa, causing discomfort, crusting and even bleeding.
Passing the oxygen through a humidifier (sterile water bottle) moistens it, relieving dryness while therapy continues.
Stopping oxygen would cause hypoxia, raising the flow increases dryness, and petroleum jelly is avoided as it is flammable in an oxygen-rich setting; a water-based lubricant is used instead.
Hence, Humidify the oxygen.
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Important Questions from Nursing Foundations
In a health care setting, a nurse finds used gloves and a broken glass ampoule together. Which action ensures proper biomedical waste management?
A patient with limited mobility is being transferred from bed to wheelchair. Which nursing action best minimizes the risk of injury during transfer?
In a situation where an indwelling urinary catheter is inserted, which nursing action best applies the concept of surgical asepsis to minimize infection risk?
A patient with urinary retention is prescribed intermittent catheterization every six hours. Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper technique to minimize infection risk?
In the context of nursing fundamentals, how does understanding the difference between health and disease assist nurses in planning patient care?
