Oxygen (Age 2 months up to 5 years)

Give oxygen

• Give oxygen to all young infants with:
  - severe pneumonia, with or without wheeze
  - lethargy or if the child is unconscious
  - convulsions
• Use nasal prongs or a nasal cannula

Nasal prongs

• Place the prongs just inside or below the baby’s nostrils
• Secure the prongs with tape
• Oxygen should flow 1 - 2 litres per minute

Nasal cannula

• This method delivers a higher concentration of oxygen
• Insert a FG8 nasogastric tube.
• Measure the distance from the side of the nostril to the inner eyebrow margin with the catheter
• Insert the catheter as shown in the diagram
• Secure with tape
• Turn on oxygen to flow of half to one a litre per minute

Click on the image to enlarge

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Integrated Management of Childhood Illness 2022; Child (Age 2 months up to 5 years); Treatments in Clinic Only; Oxygen

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Last checked for updates: June 2023