How to Secure Medical Oxygen Flowmeters

A flowmeter is used to measure, or predetermine, the rate at which oxygen is delivered to the patient, as ordered by the physician. It is usually attached directly to an oxygen wall outlet or gas cylinder, but may be attached to an aerosol bottle or other device attached directly to the oxygen source. It may also be secured in-line to oxygen tubing. Working with medical oxygen requires knowledge of the equipment used, and the safety precautions necessary for using it. Oxygen, though not in itself flammable, facilitates the burning of almost anything and must therefore be treated with caution.

Things You'll Need

• Source of oxygen
• Oxygen tubing
• Flowmeter
• Attachments

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Instructions

Prepare to secure the apparatus

• 1

  Oxygen cylinder with flowmeter attached

  Confirm the source of the medical gas. In a hospital setting the oxygen may come from an outlet in the wall above the patient's bed or it may come from a large gas tank at the bedside. In an out-patient setting the tanks may be smaller, sometimes in pairs on a rolling rack. Verify with the supplier or the staff that the tank does contain oxygen before proceeding.

• 2

  Oxygen delivery apparatus in patient room

  Check the rest of the equipment. Check for damage to the flowmeter itself; any attachments to the spigot arising from the tank or outlet should be secure and stable. Tug on the spigot and ensure that any nuts or other attachments are secure and finger tight. Attach the flowmeter in a vertical position (for inline flowmeters this is not necessary).

• 3

  Check the tubing. If the flowmeter is a conventional type, it will be attached to the outlet or to a therapeutic device itself attached to the outlet. Tug on all tubing to ensure that it is secure. If the flowmeter is inline it will be secured inside a piece of plastic tubing. Ensure that this tubing is securely attached to the outlet or therapeutic equipment.

• 4

  Before attaching anything to the patient, slowly turn on the oxygen and check for leaks. A dilute solution of soapy water may be sprayed on the outlets to check for bubbles, or simply listen closely with an ear close to the apparatus.

• 5

  Verify that the flow rate is that which has been ordered and that the percentage of oxygen is correct. Adjust flow so that the middle of the indicator or ball is in line with the given flow rate. It may be necessary for an anaesthetician or respiratory therapist to check this for you. You may then attach the oxygen delivery system to the patient.