[Oxygen therapy care].

Abstract

Oxygen therapy is administered to patients who require enhanced oxygenation of their arterial blood, patients with, for example, respiratory conditions which have resulted in impaired gaseous exchanges in the lungs, or many conditions that impair oxygen delivery to the tissues, such as myocardial infarction. Generally speaking, oxygen is an effective drug which is used very commonly in clinics. From internal medical problems, to emergency situations, even surgical problems, all of us care for patients receiving oxygen therapy sometimes. Regardless of the nurse's knowledge and skills in relation to oxygen therapy, the key nursing role is to support and reassure the patient and gain his or her confidence in order to maintain compliance with the treatment. This article discusses the pathophysiological changes associated with hypoxia, oxygen delivery devices, and guidelines for caring for patients requiring supplemental oxygen. We expect this article to contribute to improvements in the quality of clinical oxygen therapy.