Nasal cannula
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The nasal cannula is a device used in the hospital, in a pre-hospital setting, or at home to deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient or person in need of extra oxygen. This device consists of a plastic tube which fits behind the ears, and a set of two prongs which are placed in the nose or nares. Oxygen flows from these prongs.[1] The nasal cannula is connected to an oxygen tank, a portable oxygen generator, or a wall connection in a hospital via a flowmeter. The nasal cannula carries 1–6 litres of oxygen per minute. There are also infant or neonatal nasal cannulas which carry less than one litre per minute; these also have smaller prongs. The oxygen fraction provided to the patient ranges roughly from 24% to 35%.
The nasal cannula was invented by Wilfred Jones and patented in 1949 by his employer, BOC.
Contents |
[edit] Administration
Nasal cannula is used in oxygen therapy. The nasal cannula (NC) is a thin tube with two small nozzles that protrude into the patient’s nostrils. It can only provide oxygen at low flow rates—2–6 litres per minute (L/min)—delivering a concentration of 28–44%. Rates above 6 L/min can result in discomfort to the patient, drying out of the nasal passages, and possibly nose bleeds (epistaxis).
The nasal cannula is often used in elderly patients or patients who can benefit from oxygen therapy but do not require it to the degree of wearing a non-rebreather mask. It is especially useful in those patients where vasoconstriction could negatively impact their condition, such as those suffering from strokes.
