Oxygen prescribing
These targets have been informed by the TSANZ Oxygen guidelines for acute oxygen use in adults (2015). The lower and upper limits have been guided by the definition of hypoxia as an oxygen saturation <90%, and increasing recognition of harm associated wth hyperoxia.
Oxygen saturation targets:
Majority of patients with an acute medical condition: 92-96%
Patients at risk of CO2 retention: 88-92%
Patients with prior exposure to bleomycin or paraquat poisoning: ~85% (to avoid lung injury from oxygen)
*Assessment of pCO2 should be via ABG NOT VBG, particularly in the acute phase, for better accuracy and reliability.
Further information can also be found in the BTS: Guideline for emergency oxygen use in adult patients (2008).
Majority of patients with an acute medical condition: 92-96%
Patients at risk of CO2 retention: 88-92%
Patients with prior exposure to bleomycin or paraquat poisoning: ~85% (to avoid lung injury from oxygen)
*Assessment of pCO2 should be via ABG NOT VBG, particularly in the acute phase, for better accuracy and reliability.
Further information can also be found in the BTS: Guideline for emergency oxygen use in adult patients (2008).