is oxygen considered a medication?.. what do you think?

[lvnnars1]

i hear some people say it is, and the other half say it isn't. what do you nurses think? for example 2L oxygen via nasal cannula is that considered a medication?

[aclays]

Our professors tell us that oxygen is considered a drug because you need a physicians order to give it to a patient. Assuming that is the case nationwide, then the argument is settled. Whether or not it is an actual drug, you are still required to treat it as such.

[caliotter3]

MD order needed, listed on MAR, signed off the same as other meds, at least where I have been.

[CuriousMe]

O2 is a drug. It has to be ordered, it can be toxic if given in to high of concentrations....it's a drug.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

In more than atmospheric concentration, yes.

[gpatry]

Yup :)

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

Yeah, it is. I just think it's absurd that it requires a physician order.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

Yup, 'drug' it is. Need an MD order.

[anonymousstudent]

I don't think it's a drug. The same way NS via IV isn't a "drug." But it does require an MD order.

You know that some lifeguards can administer oxygen, right? Makes you wonder why a nurse with the amount of training we have can't give it but a lifeguard who's been through at most 2 weeks of training can.

[kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN]

Do I think it is? No. But legally is it? Yes. Oh well, I'm high on the sky I suppose. Perhaps I'm addicted to oxygen since I need it for everyday life? I have become dependent sadly

Most of my patients have PRN breathing treatments, which includes O2 PRN. Again it's one of those if my patient needs it right then, I'll do it and get an order later type thing. It'll be a sad thing if someone's patient is going down the drain, but they go page the MD and wait for an order before giving them any oxygen.

[KristeyK]

You know that some lifeguards can administer oxygen, right? Makes you wonder why a nurse with the amount of training we have can't give it but a lifeguard who's been through at most 2 weeks of training can.

Ah....but think of the reason a lifeguard would administer O2 and it'll make sense. I am curious though- I was a lifeguard in college and we didn't have it available to us. (Medics did, not us.) Where are you that they can?

[dallet6]

Our professors tell us that oxygen is considered a drug because you need a physicians order to give it to a patient. Assuming that is the case nationwide, then the argument is settled. Whether or not it is an actual drug, you are still required to treat it as such.

Yes what she said.