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Low-flow oxygen therapy in intensive care: an observational study
Glenn M Eastwood1, Bev O'Connell, Julie Considine
1Deakin University-School of Nursing, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. glenn.eastwood@austin.org.au
ICU nurses
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Critical Care Medicine
- Respiratory Therapy
Background:
- Limited evidence exists on intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' management of low-flow oxygen therapy.
- Daily practices of low-flow oxygen therapy delivery in ICUs are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To observe ICU nurses' management of low-flow oxygen therapy.
- To compare observed nursing practices with documented patient oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory rate (RR).
Main Methods:
- Direct observation of 16 ICU nurses over 16 hours.
- Data collection using a structured observation tool, field notes, and chart review.
- Quantitative and content analysis of collected data.
Main Results:
- Varied management of low-flow oxygen therapy among nurses.
- Observed SpO2 (96.3%) and RR (21.0 breaths/min) differed from documented values.
- Episodes of hypoxemia and tachypnea occurred, with inconsistent nursing responses.
Conclusions:
- ICU nurses' management of low-flow oxygen therapy was suboptimal.
- Inaccurate documentation of oxygenation and respiratory rate was noted.
- Further research is needed to improve low-flow oxygen therapy guidance in ICUs.
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