MODULE 12 – HEALTH CONDITIONS - ASSIGNMENT

Name : Rajeshkumar Makwana

1. Define the term oxygen saturation.

Oxygen saturation means percentage of oxygen bounded to haemoglobin/RBC

compared to unbounded oxygen.
Oxygen saturation monitoring is most commonly used to monitor breathing problems

2. List two causes that can contribute to a low O2 sat reading.

Causes of low O2
 Asthma
 Anemia
 COPD
 ARDS
 Emphysema
 Congenital heart defects, heart diseases
 Respiratory problems
 Staying in higher altitudes places, etc.
 Mostly respiratory problems and heart problems cause low oxygen

3. Define the term “continuous oxygen therapy” and explain why it is beneficial
for people with chronic breathing difficulties.

Definition;
•Continuous oxygen therapy is defined as the continuous supply of oxygen [high flow or
low flow] to people with breathing difficulties using oxygen cylinders or concentrators or
CPAP machines administered via nasal prongs or mask at home or in health care
institutions.
• It is the process of supplying oxygen to a person artificially, this medium has a higher
concentration of oxygen than that compared to the oxygen concentration in normal
room air.
Rationale; continuous oxygen therapy is beneficial for people with chronic breathing
difficulties.
Explanation:
•People with chronic breathing difficulties typically have lower levels of oxygen in their
blood and are more likely to develop hypoxia.
•The use of continuous oxygen therapy is beneficial;
- It aids comfortable breathing with minimum work.
- To maintain oxygenation of the body.
- Prolongs life of the patients with irreversible conditions by improving lung functioning.
- Minimizes the use of accessory muscles for respiration.
- Improves tissue oxygenation and organ functioning.
- Causes reduction in the energy expenditure needed to maintain oxygenation.
- Decreases the complications related to chronic hypoxia and hypoxaemia.
• This explains why continuous oxygen therapy is beneficial for people with chronic
breathing difficulties.

4. Why is humidity added to the oxygen source before it is breathed by the client?

Humidity is added to the oxygen source before it is breathed by the client to prevent the
respiratory tract from becoming excessively dry. Oxygen therapy can lead to dryness
and irritation of the respiratory mucosa, which lines the airways. Adding humidity to the
oxygen helps maintain the moisture levels of the respiratory tract, reducing discomfort,
the risk of irritation, and the potential for developing respiratory infections due to dry air
exposure.
5. You are assigned to Mr. Cy Hendriks to provide assistance with ADLs. This
client has emphysema and there is oxygen equipment in the home. While
preparing to assist him with his morning bath, you notice that he smells of
cigarette smoke, although you don’t notice any cigarettes or ashtrays nearby.
How would you proceed with this situation?

Smoking is contraindicated to home oxygen. So the following can be done.

 Using less inflammable material be used for cannula tubing and an effective
oxygen delivery system to prevent burn incidence.
 Tag the oxygen cylinders with gummed labels highlighting the danger of smoking
while on oxygen therapy.
 Warn him that lighting a cigarette when on home oxygen therapy could make the
cigarette explode. As a result, facial burns could happen as per the different cases
reported.

6. List two possible hazards that occur when clients/family members smoke near
oxygen. Describe two actions the PSW could take to avoid these hazards in the
workplace and ensure their safety as well as the client’s.

1. Smoking nearby oxygen supply can cause burning of person hair and clothing and
burn him vigorously.
2. Oxygen act as fuel source and blast can also be occurr.
Action
1. Put no smoking sign in the surrounding of oxygen tanks and patient area
2. Educate the client and family members about the hazards related to smoking while
on oxygen.

7. What is the PSW’s role regarding the client’s use of oxygen therapy?

The PSW's role in oxygen therapy includes:

Ensuring that the oxygen equipment is set up and functioning properly.
Monitoring the client's oxygen levels as directed by the healthcare provider.
Assisting the client in putting on and adjusting oxygen delivery devices, such as nasal
cannulas or oxygen masks.
Educating the client and their family members on the proper use of oxygen equipment
and safety precautions.
Being vigilant for signs of discomfort or adverse reactions and reporting them to the
appropriate healthcare professionals.

8. During your home visit with Mrs. Emma Rock, she complains that the nasal
cannula she has been wearing is irritating her cheeks and behind her ears. What
are two ways the PSW could assist her?

When Mrs. Emma Rock expresses discomfort from the nasal cannula, the PSW has two
main strategies to assist her: proper adjustment and fit of the cannula, and the use of
cushions or padding for added comfort.
The PSW's primary goal is to ensure Mrs. Rock's comfort and well-being while
maintaining effective oxygen delivery. Effective communication between Mrs. Rock and
the PSW is crucial to understanding her preferences and ensuring that any adjustments
made address her concerns.
It's worth noting that if the discomfort persists despite these interventions, the PSW
should consider involving a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or doctor. They
can provide further guidance, recommend alternative oxygen delivery methods if
necessary, and ensure that Mrs. Rock's overall health and comfort are prioritized.

9. Name two products that should be avoided when a client is using oxygen. For
each product name a safer alternative.

Product to be avoided Alternative product

Vaseline A safer alternative would be water-based
or silicone-based skin moisturizers.
Oil-based or greasy hair products, like hair Water-based or alcohol-free hair products,
oils or pomades. such as gels or mousses. Examples
include L'Oreal Paris Studio Line Clear
Minded Clean Gel or Garnier Fructis Style
Sky-Hi Volume Mousse.
10. List three ways that oxygen may be supplied to the client.

Three ways that oxygen may be supplied to the client are:

 Nasal cannula: This is a small, flexible tube that is inserted into the nostrils. It is
the most common way to deliver oxygen.
 Face mask: This covers the nose and mouth. It can deliver more oxygen than a
nasal cannula.
 Venturi mask: This is a type of face mask that has a built-in device that mixes
oxygen with air. It can deliver precise amounts of oxygen.

11. When clients have dyspnea (difficult or painful breathing), they are often
anxious and upset. What are two interventions the PSW could do to help reduce
their anxiety?

Here are two interventions that a PSW can do to help reduce a client's anxiety when
they are experiencing dyspnea:

1. Provide reassurance and comfort.

 The PSW can let the client know that they are there to help and that they are not
alone. They can also provide comfort measures, such as helping the client to sit up or
providing a cool cloth to their forehead.
2. Encourage relaxation techniques.
 The PSW can teach the client relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or
meditation. These techniques can help to reduce anxiety and improve breathing.

12. Name three breathing illnesses that may require the client to use oxygen on
either a temporary or continuous basis.

1. COPD.
2. Pneumonia.
3. Pulmonary fibriosis.
13. Your client complains he is SOB and asks you, his PSW, to turn their oxygen
up “just a bit.” The oxygen is currently running at the prescribed amount of 3L
per minute. How do you respond to your client?

Need to monitor the O2 saturation level and it should be always to be maintained more
than 90 at rest.
* Administering too much oxygen also make difficult to breath, so we have to consult a
pulmonologist and have to continuously monitor the SpO2 level.
* increase the oxygen flow only if the doctor recommended before the depression of
SpO2 level below 90 at rest.