Let's talk about... oxygen

[Ado Annie, ASN, RN]

specifically, humidifying low-flow oxygen. My textbooks states "there is no need for humidification with low-flow oxygen"... but based on experience, I disagree. Some patients

get really dried out and have thick secretions that are hard for them to clear, and I think the humidification helps with that.

Is an order required? Surely not, but it seems I remember something in my clinicals about

waiting around for an order for humidity with the O2.

[leslie :-D]

from where i am, it does need an order if under 4l/min.

when on lo-flo o2, our natural airway moisture should assist in humidying o2.

plus, some dr's worry about bacterial contamination r/t humidified environment.

so if it's not clinically warranted and is basically a pt comfort issue, then you need an order.

leslie

[Pneumothorax, BSN, RN]

Check ur policies & protocols. Anything 4L or higher we humidifyIf its a standing order then u just do it :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Our respiratory therapists claim there is no research to support humidification on nasal cannulas and face masks. They provide it when people who are used to it at home request it. Otherwise, the research recommends hydrating normally. (PO)