When should high-flow oxygen therapy be used?

High-flow oxygen therapy is indicated primarily for patients who are hypoxemic or in respiratory distress because it delivers a greater concentration of oxygen to the lungs than lower-flow systems. Hypoxemia, a condition marked by low blood oxygen levels, can occur in various medical emergencies such as severe asthma exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions. In these situations, rapid and effective oxygenation is critical to prevent further complications or organ damage.

By using high-flow oxygen therapy, healthcare providers can ensure adequate oxygen delivery to the vital organs, alleviating the respiratory distress and improving the overall oxygen saturation levels of the patient. This intervention is crucial in emergency care, where maintaining sufficient oxygen levels can significantly impact patient outcomes.

The other scenarios presented do not warrant high-flow oxygen therapy in the same manner. Patients experiencing anxiety may require reassurance and standard oxygen delivery, but not necessarily high-flow therapy. Stable vital signs generally indicate that a patient is not in immediate respiratory distress or hypoxemia, making high-flow oxygen unnecessary. Additionally, while patients requiring sedation may have altered respiratory status, their oxygen delivery needs are typically managed through different means tailored to their particular medical situation, rather than applying high-flow oxygen indiscriminately.