SN instructed to keep oxygen away from any open flame to include smoking and also in home pilot lights such as stove, furnace and water heater. Oxygen produced from concentrator and oxygen tanks is flammable. Do not use vaseline or petroleum based, products as these can cause irritation and skin complications. Avoid using aerosol sprays. Post no smoking/no Open Flame signs. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
SN educated patient/caregiver on oxygen therapy. Instructed that oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen at a higher concentration than what is found in the environment. It can be given via cannula, mask, bipap/cpap, ect. Oxygen must be ordered by a MD and administered exactly as prescribed.
SN instructed on intermittent claudication which is a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. Intermittent claudication causes pain in your calves when walking, Patients with intermittent claudication develop pain when they walk because not enough oxygen-containing blood reaches the active leg muscles. There are two main ways to treat claudication: medication and a surgical treatment, called revascularization. Medication therapies are often used initially as they are non-invasive. Compression therapy can also be used as a noninvasive way to treat symptoms of claudication. Intermittent calf compression has been shown in studies to improve symptoms-free walking distance.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Post signs in every room where oxygen is in use. Make sure that absolutely no smoking occurs in the home or in the car when oxygen is in use. Secure an oxygen cylinder to a solidly fixed object to avoid creating a missile out of the tank. This might happen if it was accidentally knocked over and gas was allowed to escape. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Be familiar with the equipment and the safety checks established by the medical equipment provider. Keep their contact telephone numbers, and the numbers for other emergency services, posted near a phone. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Make sure smoke detectors in the home are working. Have fresh batteries installed. Perform monthly checks. Have a fire extinguisher available in the home as well ( Use type ABC ). Create and practice an escape and rescue plan in the event of a fire. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Oxygen canisters should be kept at least 5 - 10 feet away from gas stoves, lighted fireplaces, wood stoves, candles or other sources of open flames. Do not use electric razors while using oxygen ( These are a possible source of sparks ). Do not use oil, grease or petroleum - based products on the equipment. Do not use it near you while you use oxygen. These materials are highly flammable and will burn readily with the presence of oxygen. Avoid petroleum - based lotions or creams, like Vaseline, on your face or upper chest. Check the ingredients of such products before purchase. If a skin moisturizer is needed, consider using cocoa butter, aloe vera or other similar products. For lubrication or rehydration of dry nasal passages, use water - based products. Your pharmacist or care provider can suggest these.
SN instructed patient about oxygen use precautions: Oxygen is a safe gas as long as it is used properly. Do not store your oxygen system near any heat sources or open flames. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in the same room as your oxygen system, sparks from a cigarette could cause facial burns. Post “No Smoking” signs in the room where your oxygen is kept.
Instructed patient not to have open flames, such as pilot lights of gas stoves or water heaters, within 12 feet of any oxygen equipment.
Instructed patient about factors that can affect BS such as foods, exercises, illness, stress, quantity of insulin, and when and where insulin is administered.
Instructed patient not to use more than 50 feet of tubing between the oxygen source and the patient. Do not place oxygen tanks within 1/2 feet of windows/doors or items.
Instructed patient that insulin shots work the fastest when given in the abdomen.