Higley Unified School District#60

Higley Unified School District#60

Oxygen Care Plan

Student Name: School Year:

(Personal data: i.e. onset, brief history, etc.)

Oxygen is used to supplement an impairment of the heart or lungs. Oxygen should be treated as a medication and requires specialized training to administer safely.

Oxygen can be given by nasal cannula (nose prongs).

(___) has a portable shoulder pack, which is the easiest system to use in the classroom. It is easy to transport and allows almost full integrating into activities. However, it is the most costly and may have a limited time based on the size of the reservoir.

(___) has a portable tank system, which is the most common method of oxygen delivery. This is a large, heavy tank with a wheeled stand. When transported it requires restraints for safety reasons. When stored in the classroom, care must be taken so it does not accidentally tip over and injure someone.

(___) has an E-System, which is a large stationary tank containing liquid oxygen. This may prevent the student from participating fully in all activities. It requires long oxygen tubing, which can pose a tripping hazard to other students. It lasts a long time but requires period filling, usually weekly.

(___) has an oxygen concentrator, which is a stationary device that pulls oxygen out of the air. It is the least expensive method but not the easiest for classroom use. It requires an electrical outlet, is not portable and has long oxygen tubing. It must be used with caution because it poses a tripping hazard to other students. It may prevent the student from full participation i n activities. Transporting this device daily on a bus is not recommended due to the risk of breakage.

Problem: Oxygen administration Goal: Safe administration of oxygen Action:

1.  Oxygen is a drug and should be treated as a medication. It requires physician and parent permission for school staff to administer safely. All staff must be trained by the school nurse in safe usage.

2.  (___) has a prescription for oxygen is liters per minute.

a.  Do not change oxygen flow rate without doctor's prescription.

3.  (___) has a life-dependency on oxygen. Back up equipment and oxygen are necessary.

4.  Local rescue squad (911) should be notified annually that (______) attends this school.

5.  Outdoor activities, fieldtrips and other activities are permitted.

a.  These activities require a portable oxygen system.

6.  (___) gets oxygen by nasal cannula (nose prongs).

a.  The cannula can be held in place by tape, transparent dressing or Velcro straps.

b.  Caution must be used to prevent pulling on tape or tubing, which can damage skin, ears, or cause choking.

c. 

NOTE: Instructions for administering oxygen should be child-specific and meet a physician-approved protocol. This should be included as part of the Health Care Action Plan.

Problem: Fatigue

Goal: Adjust school environment to promote adequate rest

Action:

1.  (______) tires easily and may have difficulty keeping up physically and academically without adjustment to his/her day.

2.  (______) requires a rest period every day for ______minutes.

Problem: Respiratory difficulty

Goal: Early recognition and action for symptoms

Action:

1.  Check skin color and breathing for signs of respiratory difficulty.

2.  Signs of respiratory difficulty include:

Shortness of breath Agitation / Retractions (pulling in of skin and muscles in chest)
Blue or pale color / Confusion
Headache Nasal flaring / Loss of consciousness Dizziness.
3. / If symptoms are noted:

a.  Check oxygen flow. Make sure tank is on and not empty.

b.  Check oxygen tubing to make sure it is not kinked or blocked or disconnected.

c.  Check mouth and nose to see if obstructed with food or mucous.

d.  Make sure nasal prongs are in proper posit ion.

e. If the equipment checks out and ( ) continues to have symptoms contact the school nurse. If unavailable, contact emergency services (911).

f. Notify parents as soon as possible.

4. A staff member trained in CPR must be available at all times and be prepared to administer if necessary.

Problem: Safety hazard Goal: Prevent injury. Action:

1.  Oxygen must be secured in the classroom to prevent the tank from falling or being knocked over.

a.  Oxygen tanks must be kept upright.

b.  Oxygen not being used should be kept in a secured place.

c.  Make sure flow regulators are off when not in use to prevent leaking.

2.  Special transportation requirements are required (securing the tank, etc.). The transportation coordinator and bus driver have responsibility for insuring safe transportation.

3.  Do not smoke or allow open flames, heaters or radiators near oxygen.

4.  Do not permit oil, grease, or other flammable material to come in contact with oxygen or equipment.

5.  Do not cover oxygen container with anything.

6.  Notify local fire department that oxygen is in use in the school.

7.  The equipment vendor is ______and their phone number is ______.

Physician Signature Date

Parent/Guardian Date

Health Aide/Nurse Signature Date