Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 8
The nursing assistant tells you that a patient who is receiving oxygen at a flow rate of 6 L/min by nasal cannula is complaining of nasal passage discomfort. What intervention should you suggest to improve the patient’s comfort for this problem?
A. Suggest that the patient's oxygen be humidified.
B. Suggest that a simple face mask be used instead of a nasal cannula.
C. Suggest that the patient be provided with an extra pillow.
D. Suggest that the patient sit up in a chair at the bedside.
Correct Answer: A. Suggest that the patient’s oxygen be humidified.
When the oxygen flow rate is higher than 4 L/min, the mucous membranes can be dried out. The best treatment is to add humidification to the oxygen delivery system. It is reasonable to use humidified oxygen for patients who require high-flow oxygen systems for more than 24 hours or who report upper airway discomfort due to dryness. Application of a water-soluble jelly to the nares can also help decrease mucosal irritation. None of the other options will treat the problem.
Option B: For patients wearing a nasal cannula for standard oxygen supplementation, switching to high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HNFC) may be a good alternative to combat the side effect of dry nose.
Option C: Providing an extra pillow would not alleviate the dryness of the patient’s nose. Water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly, help prevent dryness, irritation, and cracking of the nose commonly associated with supplemental oxygen therapy, BiPAP, and CPAP by adding moisture to the affected area.
Option D: Changing the patient’s position would not treat the dry nose. Medical oxygen contains no moisture, so regular or even occasional use can dry out the nasal passages. Nasal saline spray adds moisture to dry nasal passages and assists the nose’s natural cleaning system. It’s important to keep the nasal passages moist because bacterial infections can develop under the nasal crusts that develop inside dry nostrils.