Management of oxygen therapy for people with intellectual disabilities
Intended for healthcare professionals
CPD    

Management of oxygen therapy for people with intellectual disabilities

Caroline Anne Egan Lecturer, intellectual disability nursing, School of Nursing, University College Cork National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
Caroline Dalton Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland

Why you should read this article:
  • To understand when to administer oxygen therapy to people with intellectual disabilities

  • To learn about the different types of oxygen therapy and their indications for use

  • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

  • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

People with intellectual disabilities may require oxygen therapy across the lifespan for various reasons. Some of them will require oxygen therapy frequently, such as those who experience recurrent respiratory conditions, while others may require oxygen therapy at times when they become acutely ill or, in certain circumstances, at the end of life. Healthcare professionals and family carers supporting people with intellectual disabilities who require this treatment must have the knowledge, skills and competence to administer it safely and effectively. Oxygen therapy may be administered at times when the individual is distressed and vulnerable, so a person-centred and respectful approach is essential. This article explores the rationale for administering oxygen therapy, outlines the types and equipment that can be used, and explains the measures that nurses can take to support people with intellectual disabilities who are receiving this treatment.

Learning Disability Practice. doi: 10.7748/ldp.2020.e2119

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and has been checked for plagiarism using automated software

@Carolineegan77

Correspondence

caroline.egan@ucc.ie

Conflict of interest

None declared

Egan CA, Dalton C (2020) Management of oxygen therapy for people with intellectual disabilities. Learning Disability Practice. doi: 10.7748/ldp.2020.e2119

Published online: 12 November 2020

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