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Oxygen Tubing Instructions

Oxygen tubing is clear plastic tubing used in both health care and home settings for patients requiring supplemental oxygen. This tubing, also known as a nasal cannula, comes in various lengths, with 6 feet and 25 feet most common in hospitals and health care settings. The tubing is one part of a three-part system consisting of the oxygen tank, tubing and flow meter.

  1. Preparing for Use

    • Before placing oxygen tubing on the oxygen source or the patient, ensure that the correct flow rate is set. The flow rate controls how fast the oxygen is delivered. The physician will order the flow rate, with 2 liters per minute the most common. Do not alter the flow rate without consulting the physician first. Humidification may be ordered to prevent drying of the nasal passages. If so, the humidification source will be attached to the oxygen tank or wall-mounted flow meter in a health care setting.

    Applying Nasal Cannula

    • Place the prongs in the patient's nose, with the tips facing upward. The flat tab near the prongs should be above the patient's lip. Loop tubing behind the ears and secure below the chin with the adjustable slider. Do not pull tubing over the patient's head--hangman's noose-style--to avoid the risk of choking.

      If prongs irritate the patient's nose, you can place a small dab of water-based lubricant on the tips to lubricate them. Small gauze squares can be placed under the tubing on ears and cheeks to prevent the tubing from rubbing and chafing the skin. Remove tubing from the patient's nose three to four times daily to give the skin a brief rest from the pressure caused by the tubing.

    Tips

    • Keep the name and number of the oxygen provider near the telephone. Order new oxygen two or three days before you think the patient will need it, allowing extra time at holidays and on weekends. Be sure the tubing is free of cracks. Have a backup oxygen source in case of emergency.

    Daily Care

    • Clean nasal prongs daily with a warm, wet cloth or alcohol pad. If the patient has been sick with the flu, tuberculosis or another severe infection, dispose of old tubing and replace it. Keep an extra set of tubing on hand.

    Warnings

    • Oxygen is highly flammable and should not be used near open flames or while smoking. Do not allow others to smoke around the patient. Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the area where the oxygen is used. If the patient has trouble breathing or if her heart races, call her health care provider immediately. Other danger signs include blue lips and fingertips, confusion, anxiety, restlessness and excessive sleepiness.

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