What are the indications and nursing considerations for supplemental oxygen?

Supplemental oxygen is indicated when pulse oximetry shows oxygen saturation below 94 percent in most adults, or below 88 to 92 percent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who retain carbon dioxide. Delivery devices range from nasal cannula at 1 to 6 liters per minute delivering 24 to 44 percent oxygen, to simple face mask at 6 to 10 liters, to non-rebreather mask at 10 to 15 liters delivering up to 90 percent. Oxygen is a medication that requires a prescription. For COPD patients, excessive oxygen can suppress hypoxic drive and worsen carbon dioxide retention.