Saunders Respiratory Practice 2025 - Free Respiratory Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the context of managing patients with emphysema, careful attention must be given to oxygen therapy, as these patients are often sensitive to increased oxygen levels due to their unique respiratory physiology. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema, may have adapted to lower oxygen levels, and administering higher amounts of oxygen can risk reducing their respiratory drive, potentially leading to respiratory failure.

A flow rate of 2 L/min typically aligns with standard practice guidelines for patients with emphysema. This flow rate suffices to maintain acceptable oxygen saturation levels without over-oxygenating the patient, thus minimizing the risk of suppressing their respiratory drive. If a nurse observes that oxygen levels need to be increased beyond this point—especially in cases where higher flow rates might be necessary for adequate oxygenation—this would warrant consultation with a registered nurse or a respiratory therapist to assess the situation comprehensively and avoid potential complications.

Lower flow rates such as 1 L/min may not provide sufficient oxygenation for some patients with more severe hypoxemia, while higher flow rates like 3 L/min and 4 L/min could risk compromising ventilation in this population. Therefore, consultation becomes critical when considering transitioning to a higher oxygen flow rate from a baseline of