Page 52 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book
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action. Do not carry the portable unit under a coat or any form of clothing. Do not store liquid oxygen
equipment (reservoirs, portables) in confined spaces such as closets or car trunks.
9. ALWAYS ADHERE TO YOUR ATTENDING PHYSICIAN’S PRESCRIPTION.
10. Ensure that smoke detectors are functioning and a fire extinguisher is present. Batteries should be changed
in smoke detectors every year.
11. Notify the local fire department and power company that oxygen is being utilized in the home. In some
areas, priority service restoration can be provided in the event of a major power outage.
12. When you have questions about your oxygen delivery equipment, call Norco.
Education
Discuss the purpose of oxygen therapy: 1) To decrease the work of the heart, 2) To decrease the work of
breathing, 3) To improve exercise tolerance, 4) To improve lifestyle, etc.
Review the physician’s prescription and the need to use treatment as prescribed (liter flow, hours of use,
length of need).
Discuss potential side effects/contraindications of oxygen therapy: 1) Fire/smoking precautions (tubing at
least six feet away from source of heat or open flame and never smoke while using oxygen), 2) Post “No
Smoking/O 2 In Use” sign, 3) Nasal dryness/irritation (explain hydration methods), 4) Contact dermatitis
(abrasions of nose, cheeks or ears -- use barriers).
Discuss use and care of oxygen tubing: 1) Do not kink, 2) Do not place heavy objects on tubing,
3) Avoid contact with any source of heat, 4) Remove moisture in tubing (water trap).
Discuss mode of delivery: 1) Nasal cannula [< 5 lpm], 2) Oxygen mask(s) [≥ 6 lpm].
Demonstration for Cylinder High Pressure System
Discuss cylinder, base/cart and regulator. Make sure that cylinder base/cart is secure.
Never lubricate the oxygen regulator.
Demonstrate proper regulator placement (yoke "pin" system on E cylinder, CGA on K regulator). See
“Patient Instructions for E Cylinder” later in this Handbook.
Open cylinder valve slowly. A quarter of a turn is sufficient to pressurize cylinder to 2200 PSI.
Set regulator to desired flow rate (as physician prescribed only).
Discuss tank duration times (see Oxygen Flow/Time Chart).
Discuss cylinder storage in home (lay cylinder on side in well-ventilated area; avoid closets).
Discuss safe cylinder transport in automobile (never transport or store cylinders in trunk. Ensure that
cylinders are secured with a restraint).
Demonstrate a cylinder change. Make sure that regulator PSI gauge is “zero” before attempting a change.
Demonstrate the proper attachment of the nasal cannula to the portable unit and the patient.
Demonstration for High Flow Oxygen
Discuss the purpose of high flow oxygen.
Describe briefly how GP55 liquid oxygen systems and/or 10 LPM concentrators work and discuss estimated
GP tank times.
Discuss setting the proper liter flow on the GP55 and/or 10 LPM concentrator. Review the physician's Rx
and the need to use oxygen as prescribed.
Explain possible throat discomfort and humidification. Demonstrate filling and attaching a humidifier.
Explain possible nose and ear irritation. Discuss use of non-petroleum based gels, ear protection and
changing to a different cannula.
Explain the procedure for removing condensation that accumulates in connecting tubing.
Identify the various controls, gauges and connections on the GP55 and/or 10 LPM concentrator, explaining
the function of each.
Discuss proper location of the GP55 outside the home and 10 LPM concentrator inside the home
