The Oxygen Supply and Demand Framework: a tool to support integrative learning

Critically ill patients are at high risk for inadequate oxygen supply, increased oxygen demand and inadequate cellular oxygenation. Understanding and managing the physiological consequences of critical illness requires nurses to integrate knowledge of patient assessment, physiology and pathophysiology, and critical care interventions into their clinical decision-making. The Oxygen Supply and Demand Framework incorporates interrelated physiological concepts that influence balance between oxygen supply and demand and, consequently, supports an integrated understanding of critically ill patient situations. In this article, we present the Oxygen Supply and Demand Framework as an integrative tool for use by educators, students and critical care nurses to guide the process of patient assessment, interpret data, inform selection of appropriate interventions, and understand the rationale for all aspects of patient management.