Asthma — Management of FiO2 and SpO2 — Clinical Pathway: Emergency and Inpatient

Asthma — Management of FiO2 and SpO2 — Clinical Pathway: Emergency and Inpatient

Management of FiO2 and SpO2

  • Maintain oxygen saturation > 90% using nasal cannula or face mask
  • If required inhaled FiO2 exceeds 50% to keep saturations > 90%, notify MD/NP provider and consider the following interventions:
    • Consider reducing bronchodilator dose if air exchange is adequate and hypoxemia may be due to ventilation-perfusion mismatch
    • Consider adding measures for decreasing atelectasis and increasing airway clearance (ambulation, acapella device, therapPEP, etc.)
    • Increase oxygen flow based on patient weight. Additional flow can be added to the blended system with a second flow meter and a “tee adapter” in the corrugated tubing
      • Patients under 30 KG add NO ADDITIONAL FLOW
      • Patients over 30 KG add 9 lpm
      • Patients over 60 KG add 19 lpm
  • Consider calling Critical Assessment Team (CAT) to assess need for closer monitoring/positive pressure support