Humidify low flow oxygen?

[RunningWithScissors]

This subject has not been addressed here for several years; there have been several published studies showing no benefit to applying humidification to flow rates less than 5L/min on the nasal cannula; however, I notice that, at least in my institution, it is a widespread practice and indeed, many nurses are still under the assumption that at 2L/min a bubbler will help relieve a dry nose.

What is your practice and has your institution changed its policy to align with evidence-based practice?

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

this is something that annoys me to no end. There are so many things that are still done despite clear research to the contrary!! I heard about this over a year ago and I agree with RunningwithScissors, this should be followed by facilities. If you have a practice committee, you can address it there.

Placebo effect is not a reason to justify spending all that money on bubble humidifiers.

[Gromit]

well, its my bread, and I for one was happy to have the bubble humidifier on my cannula -even though it was only at 4 lpm.

-AliRae I never knew that about pedis and the half-liter flowrate. Tiny lungs, small volume, I guess ?