Help with O2 question

[BSN_TN, BSN]

Hi all!

I need some insight on a question that I thought I answered correctly.

What is an important nursing assess for a patient receiving O2 via nasal canula? Select all that apply.

Assess for skin breakdown behind ears. (Y)

Determine if patient is mouth breather (Y)

Inspect bag to make sure it is fully inflated (N)

Monitor for dry oral mucosa. (N)

Restrict fluids to 1000ml/day (N).

I looked through my text book Fundamentals 8th edition to verify my answers. Did I miss something here? The only mucosa that was mention was nasal and how it could dry out. GAH this makes me feel like a minuscule ant lol

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

Oxygen is VERY drying to the nasal mucosa, that's why you'll often find people with humiditifed O2.

Edit: Just saw the book mentioned nasal mucosa but the question said oral. But oxygen also drys out the nasal mucosa as well.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

read orig post wrong..sorry

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

If you think about the anatomy of how the oxygen from the nose gets to the trachea, it passes past the mouth and some of the air will circulate through the mouth before entering the trachea. In addition, even though they are not "mouth breathers" does not mean they do not use their mouth for part of their breathing. The mouth does not efficiently humidify the air entering the body causing it to dry out quicker than the nose. So you need to monitor the oral mucosa for dryness.

[BSN_TN, BSN]

That occurred to me as I was driving down the road lol. I was so mad at myself for not using my "noggin" and getting spazzed out. Thanks

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Otherwise, you seem to be right on. Don't "what if…" yourself into thinking fluids should be restricted.