USING OXYGEN FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

More often than not, an infant requiring home oxygen will outgrow the need for oxygen within the first year of life, if properly managed. It is important to be sure to follow your doctor's orders closely-improper use of the oxygen can lead to more health problems, some of which are long term.

The setting for oxygen is measured in liters per minute and is called the oxygen literflow. Never change this literflow unless you have received instructions from your physician.

If you suspect your child is not getting the prescribed literflow:

• Check all connections for leaks. (You could submerge the cannula in water to check for bubbles-being sure to provide baby O2 when checking.)
• Be sure the humidifier jar is screwed on properly, and that the lid is tight.
• Check to be sure there is gas in your O2 tank, and that it is turned on properly.
• Change to your back up system.
• Call your Cherub Medical Supply clinician for help.

Always use a humidifier jar on your home tank, unless your doctor has told you it is not necessary. When transporting baby away from home, it isn't safe to use water in the patient circuit, so do not use humidity on your portable cylinder. Once home, return baby to the tank with a humidifier to provide moisture with the oxygen.

Your child may exhibit the following signs when having trouble breathing:

• Increased respiratory rate
• Color change-pale, dusky, or bluish
• Not feeding well, or taking longer to finish a bottle
• Pulling away from the bottle during feedings
• Nasal flaring or "retractions"
• Sleeping more than usual
• Not sleeping as much as usual

Call your child's physician if you notice any signs of distress.

Call Cherub Medical Supply if you suspect problems with the equipment.