La Oxigenoterapia es la administración de oxígeno con fines terapéuticos, a concentraciones mayores que las que se encuentran 
En condiciones normales, los pulmones son los encargados de la ventilación, y por lo tanto del aporte adecuado de oxígeno. Cuando existen alteraciones orgánicas que dificultan la respiración, se administra el oxígeno para tratar o prevenir los síntomas y manifestaciones de la hipoxia, aumentando el contenido de O ₂ en la sangre arterial.
HIPOXIA
Es un trastorno en el cual el oxigeno disponible para las células del organismo is insufficient, especially 
Clinical Signs of Hypoxia
- Hypertension: The first response with tachycardia.
- Hypotension: It is only when hypoxia is prolonged. Even hypotension is due to other causes (hemorrhage, heart failure, among others), there should be applied tissue hypoxia and oxygen therapy.
- Tachypnea: Increased respiratory rate. May be associated with pulmonary hyper-or hypoventilation. Usually accompanied by dyspnea.
- Cyanosis: Bluish skin and mucous membranes. is a late sign of hypoxia. We can distinguish two types of cyanosis: Central
: De widespread. Peripheral
: That which is produced by local causes, usually vasoconstriction caused by cold, shock, failure congestive heart failure the venous blood y obstructionist.
Pulse Oximeter
| 95 - 100% | |
| Normal 91-94% mild hypoxia | |
| 86-90% moderate hypoxia | |
| Less than 86% | Severe Hypoxia |
INDICATIONS FOR OXYGEN
oxygen therapy is indicated in all patients with hypoxia, with or without hypercapnia:
- Choking
- Elevations at high altitudes where the PO ₂ down.
- Poisoning by gases that block normal hematosis.
- Respiratory Failure (bronchitis chronic bronchial asthma, pneumonia)
- CNS lesions affecting the central regulator of respiration (tumors, encephalitis)
- Alterations in blood oxygen transport (heavy bleeding, carbon monoxide poisoning, etc.)
Except for emergencies, your doctor will prescribe the oxygen and specify both the percentage of oxygen as a method of administration .
OXYGEN DELIVERY SYSTEMS
management systems of oxygen therapy systems are divided into high and low flow, depending on whether they are able to supply enough gas to meet the patient's inspiratory demand.
Low Flow Systems: They do not allow us to establish a precise concentration of oxygen administered, regulated only by the number of liters per minute. Within this system are: Binasal cannula, simple face mask, nasopharyngeal catheter and mask with reservoir.
High Flow Systems: This system allows us to administer oxygen at different concentrations. This concentration is quite accurate, so it is considered a method of oxygen therapy controlled, in addition to each concentration corresponds to a certain number of gallons per minute. Within this system we have the Venturi mask (Ventimask ® , Multivent ® , Campbell ® ).
ADMINISTRATION OF OXYGEN
SOURCES AND EQUIPMENT
Oxygen can be obtained from a central tank with wall outlets in the units, or portable tanks or balloons. Whatever the source of oxygen must be connected to a controller, in addition to the following devices:
1) Gauge: Every tank is equipped with a gauge that measures the oxygen pressure inside the source. The gauge consists of a watch with a circle graduated in liters and mmHg, and a needle mark in each time the oxygen pressure the balance.
2) flow or Flowmeter: For a patient to apply oxygen flow meter is needed. This device lets you control the number of liters of oxygen per minute leaves. Consists of a valve to regulate the outflow of oxygen.
3) Humidification System: to administer oxygen to patients is needed prior moisten the gas. To do this, the gas passes through a vial containing distilled water or sterile. The bottle contains two entries, one for gas inlet and the other for output ready for implementation. It is necessary to administer humidified oxygen to prevent dryness and irritation of mucous membranes in the patient.
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION OF OXYGEN: LOW FLOW
TUBE Binasal
mustache also called, is a means of delivering oxygen through the nostrils. This equipment is considered within the low-flow systems because it does not cover the entire inspired volume, which is not part of this volume comes from the surrounding air. The nasal cannula consists of two small 2cm long extensions that are inserted into the nostrils and are attached to a long flexible plastic tube through which flows 
| FLOW | FiO ₂ |
| 1 liter | 24% |
| 2 liters | 28% |
| 3 liters | 32% |
| 4 liters | 36% |
| 5 liters | 40% |
| 6 liters | 44% |
Advantages:
- is comfortable and well tolerated by the patient.
- The patient can eat, drink and talk without removing the device.
- Can be used in patients with COPD.
Disadvantages:
- can cause pressure on the nose and / or pinna.
- May cause dryness and irritation of the nasal mucosa.
Nursing Considerations:
- Ensure patency of the airways of the person besides the oxygen flowing properly.
- We must take into account the extent of the nasal cannula in the face of the person, for your convenience and use of oxygen.
- Place the ribs on the tube in the nose, past the pipe above his ears, avoiding excessive pressure to avoid injury.
facemask facemask
The device is a soft, transparent plastic that connects directly to the source of oxygen. Cone-shaped, covering the mouth, nose and chin of the person. Is maintained by a rubber band placed around the head. 
| FLOW | FiO ₂ |
| 5 to 6 liters | 40%
|
| 6 to 7 liters | 50% |
| 7 to 8 liters | 60% |
Advantages:
- It is simple and lightweight.
- can provide 60% FiO ₂
Disadvantages:
- Can produce claustrophobia in some patients.
- Difficult expectoration.
- Difficult application along with a nasogastric tube or OG.
- is uncomfortable facial trauma or burns.
- can cause irritation and dry eyes.
Nursing Considerations:
- Explain the patient that the mask should fit snugly to the face and exhaled air is discharged through the holes on both sides of the mask.
- Regularly check that the mask is in position and check that the tape does not irritate the scalp or ears.
- Ensure that no oxygen leak out of the mask, particularly the eyes.
- Assess the nasal and labial mucosa, lubricate if necessary
OXYGEN MASK WITH RESERVOIR BAG
is the one that provides the highest concentration of oxygen in the form of oxygen with mask. It has holes on the side by the rising tidal CO ₂. The reservoir bag has a capacity of 700ml, this reservoir is connected to the mask with a unidirectional valve that prevents gas in the bag inspired. Then consists of a reservoir bag between the mask and the oxygen source. 
| FLOW |
|
| 6 liters 60% | |
| 7 liters 70% | |
| 8 liters 80% | |
| 9 liters | 90% |
| 10 liters 95% |
Advantages:
- Useful in moderate to severe hypoxemia.
Disadvantages:
- If low-flow rebreathing may occur CO ₂.
- is little tolerated in some patients.
- Difficult application nasogastric or orogastric tubes.
- Difficult expectoration.
- is uncomfortable facial trauma or burns.
- can cause irritation and dry eyes.
Nursing Considerations:
- Explain the patient that the mask should be set well in the face to deliver the required amount of oxygen. With each breath, the bag should deflate slightly.
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION OF OXYGEN: HIGH FLOW
VENTURI MASK
Venturi system is classified into high-flow systems because the flow of gas supply is sufficient to provide the entire inspired gas. Consists of several parts: the orofacial mask, with an adapter to the nasal and three holes (two side and one for exhalation center, where oxygen enters), the regulator of the oxygen pressure, the pump that flowmeter connected to the system and the humidifier.
| FLOW |
|
| 3 liters | 24% |
| 4 liters | 30% |
| 6 liters | 35% |
| 8 liters | 40% |
| 12 liters | 50%
|
The operation of the mask with Venturi effect, follows the Bernoulli principle, because it causes a negative pressure. This negative pressure is responsible, through the window device Adjustable mask inspired ambient air, thereby achieving the desired mix.
- Allows the provision of a reliable FiO ₂.
- Useful in patients in whom an excess of oxygen may depress the respiratory control.
Disadvantages:
- Little tolerated in some patients.
- Difficult expectoration.
- is uncomfortable facial trauma or burns.
- can cause irritation and dry eyes.
Nursing Considerations:
- It is advisable to place the patient in semifowler, if possible.
- Check that connections are tight and not have bends.
- Always check the air intakes are not blocked. OTHER DEVICES
PIPE FOR BRIGGS TO
The base of the tube forming the vertical part of the "T" is set to a endotracheal or tracheostomy tube for the administration of warm humidified oxygen. One arm of the "T" is connected to the oxygen nebulizer and the other to air.
is similar to the simple face mask, except that its shape is adapted for a tracheostomy. Be maintained without occluding the front hole of the mask, because it allows the aspiration of secretions.
GENERAL PROCEDURE OF OXYGEN
- Preparation and verification of the material.
- Wash hands before and after the procedure.
- Explain to the patient the procedure to be performed.
- Fill the humidifier bottle to where the mark with distilled water or sterile.
- Place patient in position semifowler, unless contraindicated.
- Place the device above, taking care not to injure the patient.
- Protect your skin where they exert more pressure. Open
- oxygen supply and calibrate the speed and concentration indicated.
- If masks, every two hours to clean, dry and massage in patient's face, as well as cleaning the mask. Check
- concentration or flow rate of administration indicated.
- Frequently monitor blood gases and oximetry as medical advice.
"The act of breathing is synonymous with life, no other organ function has been so closely connected to life, illness and
to death. "
