Abstract
The instant paper contains a review of the article Ward (2013) titled “High-flow oxygen administration by nasal cannula for adult and perinatal patients”. I have undertaken the review from the perspective of an impending respiratory practitioner. Ward (2013) addresses the subject of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) application for patients whose oxygenation assistance needs supersede the capabilities of the low-flow nasal cannula. The article lauds HFNC as a credible alternative for more intrusive respiratory assistance devices and processes.
Introduction
The article Ward (2013) canvasses the subject of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy application for adult and perinatal patients. Modern health involves the application of technology both in curative clinical care and in preserving the life and health of the patient pending treatment. A common issue in modern clinical care is propensity to either undertreat or overreact. For example, with regard to assisting patients get better access to oxygen; available devices vary exponentially from simples such as nasal cannula to complex ones such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A good respiratory practitioner must understand each of these devices in order to make the right choices depending on the patient’s condition. Ward (2013) is a well-written and elaborate journal article that presents a general overview of the nature and application of HFNC and provides invaluable information to a respiratory practitioner.
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Summary of Main Points
According to Ward (2013), HFNC is a mid-level breathing assistance device that can play roles commonly attributed to more advanced devices such as the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Further, HFNC is effective for use in the kind of hypoxemia that emanate from the discontinuation of advanced oxygenation processes such as the application of reservoir-bag masks or intubation. Further, the use of HFNC is an effective compromise between the limitations of low-flow nasal cannula and advanced processes such as CPAP. Conversely, the article also addresses the issues and challenges facing the application of HFNC in day-to-day practice. In this category, important insights include how to improve the efficacy of HFNC through processes such as limiting air dilution. Further, the article also addresses safety concerns such as propensity for infection and hygienic use of HFNC devises, including the use of sterilized water. Finally, the article unequivocally recommends the usage of HFNC for adult patients including those in perinatal care.
Particular Lesson and its Implications
As an impending respiratory practitioner, one of the particular lessons that I gleaned from the article relates to the recall of the Vapotherm 2000i. This highly effective HFNC device got recalled from the market despite its efficacy due to propensity for precipitating patient infection. Researchers would later realize that Vapotherm 2000i was safe, subject to the use of sterilized water. The above means that the process of usage can compromise a good device. This fact augments the role and onus of the respiratory practitioner. The technician provides a vital link between the quality of devices, accuracy, and prescriptions and patient outcomes hence the need for careful study and care on the part of respiratory technicians.
Article Critique
Ward (2013) is useful as a broad source for general study but less so for a specialized source for in-depth study. The author provides general information about almost every issue relating to HFNC. Further, it is evident from a careful perusal of the article that the author has properly research and cited all the facts outlined in the article. However, the broad nature of the subject has come at the cost of meticulousness. The article plays the useful role of guiding a prospective respiratory practitioner on the issues to research further about HFNC.
Conclusion
It is evident from the above that Ward (2013) is a useful article on an important subject relating to the critical care of patients. The article addresses the subject of providing oxygenation assistance to the patient. More specifically, the said article presents HFNC as a worthy balance between ensuring the patient gets enough oxygen while limiting the level of intrusion involved in the process. It is clear that the author has undertaken extensive research on the subject matter and presented findings in an accurate and efficient manner. However, the broad nature of the subject canvassed limits the article’s ability to address the specifics of the subject matter.
References
Ward, J. J. (2013). High-flow oxygen administration by nasal cannula for adult and perinatal patients. Respiratory Care , 58 (1), 98-122.
