"Silly" Question

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

I almost feel embarrassed to ask this, BUT... what is the correct way to access an 02 tank? Do you turn the metal "key" first and then the round valve? Any tips on doing it safely? It's been awhile :imbar

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I always make sure the flow valve part of the regulator is off and then I turn the tank valve (the metal one on top) on. When I do this I listen for leaks around the regulator. If I don't hear any air leaks, I then turn the flow valve to the setting I want.

bob

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

Not a silly question at all! If you are switching tanks out - moving a regulator from an empty tank to a full one - first you completely close off the first tank (use the key on the pointy tip of the tank turning to the right to close it.) Then slowly turn the handle of the regulator to the left to loosen it.

Then slip the regulator over the new tank, line up the holes, and tighten the handle of the regulator by turning it to the right. Finally, use the key to loosen the pointy tip of the tank by turning it to the left - slowly. If you hear air escaping, closeit back to the right, make sure the regulator is properly set in the holes and turn the handle a little tighter.

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I am glad that you guys know this stuff. My answer would be to call RT and have them do it. I am so clueless about O2 tanks, except that I know everytime I try to use one for an emergency they are always EMPTY.

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

Great handout here--includes amount of time O2 available per liter flow:

http://www.wright-filippis.com/pdfs/cylinder_oxy.pdf

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Thank y'all very much!

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