Safe and effective use of supplemental oxygen therapy.

Nurses have an important role in early identification of factors that can compromise oxygen delivery to the lungs and tissues in the body, and in ensuring that patients who may require supplemental oxygen therapy are assessed and managed safely and competently. This article provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology in relation to oxygen delivery to the lungs and tissues in the body, and outlines the common indications and contraindications for supplemental oxygen therapy. It also discusses the approaches that nurses can adopt to assess a patient's clinical need for supplemental oxygen therapy, as well as the safety considerations required.