DESCRIPTION

The oxygen concentrator will be used in the place of an oxygen cylinder (in non-emergency situations). It extracts oxygen from room air and provides the resident with continuous flows of oxygen enriched air.

PURPOSE A method of supplying supplemental oxygen to a resident.

POLICY 1. Liter Flow should be checked and documented in MAR Q Shift.

1. Filters and machines are to be cleaned once a week:
   1. Remove filter
   2. Rinse with running water until clean
   3. Squeeze water from filter
   4. Dry with towel (cloth or paper)
   5. Replace filter
   6. Clean machine with spray disinfectant or soap and water
2. Oxygen extension tubing should not exceed 25 ft. If oxygen extension tubing is used, fall precautions should be documented on the resident’s chart.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

1. 1. Oxygen Concentrator
   2. Electrical Outlet
   3. Oxygen Delivery Device
   4. Humidifier (if necessary)
   5. No Smoking Sign
   6. Christmas Tree/Nipple Nut Adapter

PROCEDURE

The respiratory therapist/nurse shall perform the following when setting up a resident on an oxygen concentrator.

1. Refer to Policy #2 on Universal Considerations.
2. Place concentrator in resident’s room.
3. Inspect electrical outlet for damage, electrical arcing, loose connection.
4. Plug concentrator into safe electrical outlet.
5. Turn concentrator on and adjust liter flow (to that ordered by physician), listen for start up alarm. The liter flow ball on the gauge should be positioned in the middle of the number line (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5) prescribed by the physician.
6. Attach oxygen delivery device to concentrator, and place on resident (refer to Policies #

4.8 through # 4.11).

1. Humidification, refer to Policy # 4.11 on Bubble Humidifier.
2. Alarms. If the alarm should sound:
   1. Check to see if concentrator is plugged in.
   2. Unplug and plug into a different outlet.
   3. If not corrected, change concentrator
3. If the concentrator has no flow:
   1. Remove humidifier and/or tubing.

1. 1. Check at regulator outlet for flow, if flow is apparent, replace humidifier/tubing with new.
   2. If there is no flow, change concentrator and arrange for service

CLINICAL A. Concentrators require electricity to work. In the event to a power outage, plug CONSIDERATION the concentrator into the emergency generator powered outlet or attach the

resident’s oxygen delivery device to an oxygen cylinder or liquid unit.

1. Do not place concentrators in corners, against the wall, near heaters or curtains
2. Do Not use extension cords or electrical adapters.
3. Post “NO SMOKING SIGNS” at the entrance to the room.
4. Not all oxygen masks can be run on a concentrator. Please check to make sure that device being used does not need a 50 PSI source.