Bledsoe O2 Article
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daedalus
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I routinely give 4LPM NC instead of NRB. In fact, I stay away from NRB as much as possible. I do this under the idea that most patients do not need a non-rebreather but it is in my protocols to give oxygen, so I satisfy that by using the NC. But I do not claim to understand enough yet to decide when to use what. I know what the EMT text says, but I also know that the EMT text is wrong in reference as to when to use NRB vs NC.
02
Protocols are guidelines given us by a physician. He expects us to treat the patient as if he were standing beside us on the scene. We should always treat the patient, not the machine hooked to them. Before SPO2 monitors were everywhere we utilized skin color and cap refill. And once you see that pasty white cardiac patient you don't have to have a 12 lead to know they are in trouble and need 02. Sometimes the cardiac patient will not present with chest pain. But their color tells you different. I had a lady in 3rd degree block and no C/P that went into a NSR after we applied a NRB @ 15LPM. I had to show the ER Doc the strip so he would start treating the heart,because he was going to treat an anxiety attack. Sometimes the patient needs a NRB and sometimes a NC @ 4Lpm solves the problem. We have to make that call and we should always err to the patient and continually reassess.
Protocols are guidelines given us by a physician. He expects us to treat the patient as if he were standing beside us on the scene. We should always treat the patient, not the machine hooked to them. Before SPO2 monitors were everywhere we utilized skin color and cap refill. And once you see that pasty white cardiac patient you don't have to have a 12 lead to know they are in trouble and need 02. Sometimes the cardiac patient will not present with chest pain. But their color tells you different. I had a lady in 3rd degree block and no C/P that went into a NSR after we applied a NRB @ 15LPM. I had to show the ER Doc the strip so he would start treating the heart,because he was going to treat an anxiety attack. Sometimes the patient needs a NRB and sometimes a NC @ 4Lpm solves the problem. We have to make that call and we should always err to the patient and continually reassess.
strong work.
If you are interested Lippincotts illustrated review of biochemistry explains it very well without watering it down.