How is oxygen therapy primarily prescribed?

Oxygen therapy is primarily prescribed in terms of flow or concentration because these factors are crucial for ensuring that a patient receives the appropriate amount of oxygen to meet their specific medical needs. The flow rate (measured in liters per minute) dictates how much oxygen is delivered to the patient, which is essential in conditions where oxygen levels in the blood are insufficient, such as COPD or pneumonia.

Concentration refers to the percentage of oxygen within the total gas delivered. Different delivery methods, such as nasal cannulas or non-rebreather masks, can provide varying concentrations of oxygen. The clinical goal is to achieve adequate oxygenation while minimizing risks of oxygen toxicity or carbon dioxide retention. By tailoring the therapy to these parameters, healthcare providers can effectively manage a patient's respiratory conditions and improve overall outcomes.

While patient age and weight can influence the approach to treatment, they do not directly determine oxygen therapy prescriptions. The specific conditions being treated and the individual patient's response to therapy are the key factors that guide the prescription of flow and concentration of oxygen.