A 10-year-old child with pneumonia is receiving oxygen at 5 L/minute via a nasal cannula. When planning care for this child, what principle of oxygen administration should the nurse keep in mind?

Choice A rationale Oxygen therapy is a crucial part of the management for patients with severe pneumonia. However, prolonged administration of high concentrations of oxygen can potentially lead to oxygen toxicity, resulting in damage to the cells of the lungs. This is due to the production of reactive oxygen species which can damage cell structures. Therefore, it is important to avoid administering oxygen at high levels for extended periods. Choice B rationale While it might seem logical to increase the oxygen rate during sleep due to a slower respiratory rate, this is not typically recommended. The body’s oxygen requirements do not significantly change during sleep and increasing the oxygen rate could potentially lead to hyperoxia. Choice C rationale Sedatives can indeed slow the respiratory rate, but this does not decrease oxygen needs. In fact, it could potentially lead to respiratory depression and hypoxia, especially in a patient with a respiratory illness like pneumonia. Choice D rationale Humidification of oxygen can improve patient comfort, especially with high flow rates, by preventing dryness in the nasal passages. However, it does not make oxygen less toxic.