Instructions for Portable Oxygen

Portable oxygen helps patients with a need for oxygen therapy keep their independence. Oxygen is given to the patient through a tube, called a nasal cannula, that is inserted into the nose. The patient receives oxygen in a measurement of liters per minute, which is determined by a doctor. Portable oxygen tanks come in different sizes and are usually moved around on wheeled carts or in shoulder packs. Knowing how to use portable oxygen is important to staying healthy.

Instructions

Setting up Portable Oxygen

• 1

  Pull and remove the plastic that is wrapped around the shaft of the portable oxygen tank.

• 2

  Use the cylinder wrench to slowly loosen the valve on the shaft of the portable oxygen tank. Let a little oxygen leak out and tighten the valve back up. This will get rid of any dust and debris that was on the air flow opening.

• 3

  Slide the regulator onto the shaft of the portable oxygen tank. Line up the hole in the middle of the regulator with the shaft of the cylinder and slide it down. Notice the holes in the cylinder and the dowels on the regulator.

• 4

  Match the holes and dowels up, sliding them into place. Ensure that the rubber ring inside the regulator does not come loose and fall out.

• 5

  Turn the crank on the regulator to tighten the regulator onto the portable oxygen tank.

• 6

  Use the cylinder wrench to once again loosen the valve on the shaft of the portable oxygen tank. Check the gauge on the regulator to get a reading for the amount of oxygen in the tank. The valve should only need to be opened one or two full turns.

• 7

  Adjust the knob on the side of the regulator to meet the patient's prescribed oxygen flow. Check the second gauge on the regulator to ensure that the flow matches the setting on the knob.

• 8

  Insert the end of the air tubing into the air flow opening. Put the tubing and the nasal cannula onto the patient.

• 9

  Affix the portable oxygen tank into the supplied shoulder bag or cart.

• 10

  Arrange the tubing to ensure that it is tucked into the bag or cart and will not get tangled on the wheels, your arms or is hanging low enough to trip over.

Turning Off Portable Oxygen

• 11

  Remove the air tubing from the patient.

• 12

  Use the cylinder wrench to tighten the valve on the shaft of the portable oxygen tank. Leave the knob on the correct setting for the patient's oxygen flow. This will allow the last bit of oxygen to make its way out of the tank.

• 13

  Watch the gauge to ensure that it doesn't detect any oxygen pressure. The gauge should show zero, indicating that the tank is completely turned off.

• 14

  Unhook the air tubing from the air flow opening.