Lecture Summary

Low-flow oxygen therapy devices are often the first choice when giving supplemental oxygen to critically ill patients. Ensuring the oxygen is administered in a timely and appropriate way, using the right device, is an important aspect of care. This presentation provides an overview of basic oxygen therapy principles, describes the indications for and care requirements of nasopharyngeal oxygen catheters, nasal prongs and simple face mask devices. Importantly, a practical algorithm for the management of mild-moderate hypoxaemia is provided, so that, where possible, the simplest, most effective form of therapy can be given.

Target Audience

Critical Care Nurses
Emergency Medicine Doctors
Emergency Medicine Nurses
Rural GPs

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

• Describe the principles of oxygen therapy
• Identify the reason for, and performance characteristics of, 3 low-flow oxygen therapy devices that are available for use in the critical care setting
• Define a practical approach to the selection and management of low-flow oxygen therapy in critical care

None.