For clients with respiratory conditions, heart disease, and other health conditions, oxygen therapy plays a crucial role in maintaining proper saturation levels in the blood. However, like any medical intervention, it requires precision and meticulous attention to detail. Any oversight or lapses can negatively affect client outcomes. Therefore, recognising and addressing common challenges in administering oxygen therapy is vital to ensuring the highest level of care. This article aims to elucidate some of the most common mistakes, while demonstrating the importance of upskilling in this area.
1. Incorrect oxygen flow rate
One of the most common mistakes support workers can make is administering oxygen at the wrong flow rate. Flow rates are prescribed and tailored to the individual’s specific care needs. Therefore, devices must be adjusted accordingly. A flow rate that is too high can cause discomfort or potential harm, while a flow rate that is too low may fail to deliver enough oxygen.
Why it happens: This often occurs due to a lack of familiarity with the patient’s specific prescription or an error in reading the flow meter on the oxygen device.
The impact: Administering incorrect flow rates can lead to hypoxia (insufficient oxygen in the body) or hyperoxia (excess oxygen), both of which can have serious health consequences.
2. Failure to monitor oxygen saturation levels
Regular monitoring of oxygen saturation levels is essential for effective therapy. However, support workers may sometimes neglect to monitor this as frequently as they should. In some cases, workers may even assume stable readings will continue without recognising the potential for sudden changes.
Why it happens: In busy care environments, it can be easy to overlook the need for consistent monitoring, especially if the client seems stable.
The impact: Without frequent checks, fluctuations in oxygen levels can go unnoticed, which can lead to complications, such as confusion or breathing difficulties.
3. Inadequate humidification of oxygen
When oxygen is delivered over an extended period, the dryness of the gas can irritate the nasal passages and airways. Humidification is a crucial component of therapy for those using high-flow oxygen, especially if they need it for prolonged periods.
Why it happens: Some support workers may not be aware of the need for humidification or may fail to use the appropriate equipment.
The impact: Inadequate humidification can cause discomfort, dryness, and irritation in the patient’s nasal passages and airways. Over time, this can lead to nosebleeds, coughing, or other respiratory issues.
4. Using the wrong oxygen device for the situation
There are a variety of oxygen devices, such as nasal cannulas, and CPAP machines, each suited for specific needs. Selecting the wrong device can result to inadequate oxygen delivery and patient discomfort.
Why it happens: Support workers may not fully understand which device is best for a patient’s specific condition or oxygen requirements.
The impact: Using the wrong device can prevent the client from receiving the required level of oxygen, potentially worsening respiratory conditions, and increasing the risk of other health complications.
5. Failure to educate the client
Client education is a critical aspect of oxygen therapy. Yet, support workers may sometimes overlook explaining its purpose. Without enough information, clients may not understand how to use their equipment correctly or may be unaware of the importance of consistent use.
Why it happens: Time constraints and high patient loads can lead support workers to prioritise immediate tasks, causing them to skip essential client education.
The impact: If clients are not educated on the importance of oxygen therapy, or how to properly use their equipment, they may not adhere to the prescribed regimen, which can lead to further health complications.
6. Not addressing underlying conditions
Oxygen therapy is just one part of managing respiratory or cardiac conditions. Failing to address underlying medical conditions or neglecting to adjust the oxygen therapy plan (as the patient’s condition evolves) can result in ineffective care.
Why is happens: Support workers may sometimes focus exclusively on oxygen therapy and overlook the need to treating the underlying conditions that necessitate the therapy.
The impact: Inadequate management of underlying conditions can cause the client’s health to worsen, leading to complications or a need for higher levels oxygen therapy, which can undermine the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
The importance of oxygen therapy training for support workers
To ensure optimal patient care and prevent these types of mistakes, support workers must receive proper training in oxygen therapy. A thorough understanding of oxygen administration, the equipment used, and how to tailor therapy to meet individual care needs, is essential.
At Skills Centre Australia, we offer a specialised Oxygen Therapy course designed to equip support workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage clients who require this type of support. For more information about our Oxygen Therapy course, or to enol, visit the course page on our website, https://kcskillscentre.com.au/training/oxygen-therapy-training-for-support-workers/.
Oxygen therapy is a vital aspect of client care. To administer it correctly, support workers must be diligent and well-informed. By avoiding common mistakes and receiving adequate training, support workers can ensure they provide the highest quality of care. Therefore, upskilling becomes necessary to ensure support workers are well-prepared to meet their clients’ needs.
