Acute oxygen therapy for patients in the community

This article discusses the administration of acute oxygen therapy in the community setting, and emphasises the importance of achieving target blood oxygen saturation ranges for each patient. Respiratory assessment and monitoring, including blood gas analysis, and the role of pulse oximetry when delivering oxygen therapy are outlined. Nurses working in the community are responsible for conducting respiratory assessments, specifically in relation to triage and decisions concerning whether or not to treat patients at home or transfer them to hospital. It is hoped that the article will provide nurses with the knowledge to improve their practice in relation to oxygen therapy.