Nasal cannulas behind the head

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in ER.

Does anyone actually run the NC behind the head, instead of under the chin?

I've been watching Chicago's Finest. Multiple questionable scenes including this.

Is the nasal cannula ever used this way?

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Specializes in CMSRN.

No, not from my experience. Not intentionally at least.

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Yes but only for procedural purposes . O2 source behind head of Flat table so the NC is behind the head to connect to O2. Also if Dr is getting IJ access the Neck is prepped into the sterile field so NC tubing cannot be in that area.

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Specializes in ER.

The show is actually called Chicago PD.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

I've had a few homecare patients do that, especially if chin/back of ears sore. Hard to keep on and almost impossible to sleep with tubing that position.

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Yes, as Dexters pointed out, we do this everyday in Cath Lab and IR. It's quite common in the procedural areas.

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On babies and toddlers all the time.

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Specializes in ER.

We were told especially not on babies and toddlers because of the hanging/choking risk. But not on adults either.

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13 minutes ago, canoehead said:

We were told especially not on babies and toddlers because of the hanging/choking risk. But not on adults either.

Babies ears are so pliable it’s almost impossible to keep the cannula behind them. I would think the risk of hanging would be fairly low given that kids with O2 requirements are rarely left alone.

I just googled images of babies on oxygen to make sure I hadn’t lost my mind and literally every single one of them had the cannula behind their heads.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.
20 minutes ago, Wuzzie said:

Babies ears are so pliable it’s almost impossible to keep the cannula behind them. I would think the risk of hanging would be fairly low given that kids with O2 requirements are rarely left alone.

I just googled images of babies on oxygen to make sure I hadn’t lost my mind and literally every single one of them had the cannula behind their heads.

You didn't lose your mind. Babies and toddlers for sure get behind the head. But also they're often secured to the face/cheeks with tape and/or a securement device.

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

In Bates Motel, Emma (had CF) wore her O2 this way all the time, pre-transplant. (sorry, I know it's TV, but sorta fits) ?

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7 minutes ago, JadedCPN said:

You didn't lose your mind. Babies and toddlers for sure get behind the head. But also they're often secured to the face/cheeks with tape and/or a securement device.

Thank you for confirming my sanity. ? We always secured them with Tegaderm or Duoderm and tape.

We did trial those head strap kind of nasal cannulas. They were weird.

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