- Breisis Heffernan-Tschritter
- Summer 2026
Faculty instructor: Professor Jenkins
Abstract
Background
At a specific facility, it has been noticed that patients have received supplemental oxygen longer than necessary. Recent literature suggests that the parameters for requiring supplemental oxygen in an adult patient without lung disease is an oxygen saturation below 92%. For adults with COPD, it is recommended to use supplemental oxygen when the oxygen saturation is below 88% (Barnet, at al., 2022). If a patient uses supplemental oxygen unnecessarily for extended periods of time, it can lead to negative effects.
Purpose
This project’s goal is to ensure that this facility has an up-to-date, evidence-based protocol regarding supplemental oxygen use and that nursing staff appropriately follow the protocol.
Methods
The specific hospital policy on supplemental oxygen use was reviewed as well as peer-reviewed articles written within the last six years. To gain further information, interviews were conducted with a respiratory therapist and a nurse chart auditor at this facility.
Discussion
The policy at this facility is evidenced-based. The nursing staff need to be educated and encouraged to follow the current policy appropriately. The recommendation is to conduct annual training to ensure nursing staff are educated on the importance of decreasing supplemental oxygen use when possible.
Reference
Barnett, A., Beasley, R. Buchan, C., Chien, J., Farah, C., King, G., McDonald, C., Miller, B., Munsif, M. Psirides, A. Reid, L. Roberts, M. Smallwood, N. Smith, S. (2022). Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Position Statement on Acute Oxygen Use in Adults: ‘Swimming between the flags.’ Official Journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14218.