How to Set the Flow Rate of Oxygen Coming Out of an Oxygen Tank

Oxygen is carried by red blood cells from the lungs to other areas of the body. Illness or disease can cause blood oxygen levels to lower -- causing dizziness, headaches, loss of concentration, visual problems and even death. Blood oxygen levels can be boosted through the use of supplemental oxygen -- stored in a tank or cylinder -- that travels through a tube into two nasal pieces. Supplemental oxygen contains 100% oxygen versus the air in the atmosphere, which is only 21% oxygen. The flow -- liters per minute -- is prescribed by the doctor and is adjusted on the tank itself.

Things You'll Need

• Oxygen tank
• Oxygen tubing
• Pulse oximeter

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the oxygen level of your cylinder prior to use. Place the included wrench on the valve at the top of the cylinder and turn it counterclockwise to turn it on. Look at the indicator to see how much oxygen is in the tank. If you have an oxygen concentrator, plug it in and turn it on.

• 2

  Attach the tubing to the air valve. Turn the intensity dial to the number of liters per minute prescribed by your doctor -- typically between 2 and 4. Hold the nasal cannula up to your cheek to check for airflow, then place it in your nose.

• 3

  Monitor your oxygen saturation levels with a fingertip pulse oximeter. Check it at different times of the day, particularly during physical activity. Notify your doctor if the reading drops below 90% -- the flow of your supplemental oxygen might need to be increased.