Benefits and nursing care in the use of high-flow nasal cannula for patients with acute respiratory failure

Section: Revisiones

How to quote

Subirana-Ferrés C, García-Hornos E, Ruiz-Barrio P, Díaz-Martos I, Córdoba-Izquierdo A. Beneficios y cuidados enfermeros en el uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo en el paciente con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda. Metas Enferm oct 2018; 21(8):50-8.

Authors

Cristina Subirana-Ferrés1, Elena García-Hornos1, Piedad Ruiz-Barrio2, Isabel Díaz-Martos3, Ana Córdoba-Izquierdo4

Position

1Enfermera. Servicio de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Infecciosas y Medicina Interna (AMRIMI). Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge. Barcelona2Enfermera gestora. Servicio de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Infecciosas y Medicina Interna. Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge. Barcelona3Enfermera. Adjunta a la Dirección de Enfermería. Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge. Barcelona4Licenciada en Medicina. Servicio de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Infecciosas y Medicina Interna (AMRIMI). Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge. Barcelona

Contact address

Cristina Subirana Ferrés. Servicio de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Infecciosas y Medicina Interna. Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge. C/ Feixa Llarga

Abstract

Objective: to identify the benefits and main care measures for the high-flow nasal cannula as treatment for patients diagnosed with acute respiratory failure.
Method: a narrative review was conducted; there was a search for articles in the following databases: PubMed, Cinhal, Cochrane Library Plus and Cuiden, with the following free search terms: “oxigenoterapia alto flujo” (high-flow oxygen therapy); “insuficiencia respiratoria aguda” (acute respiratory failure) and “cuidados enfermeros” (nursing care).The search was limited to articles in English or Spanish, >18-year-old, and published within the past 10 years (2007-2017).
Results: nineteen (19) articles were included. The main benefit of the treatment with high-flow nasal cannula was an improvement in oxygenation. This therapy involves a thermal humidification system that boosts the mucociliary function, encourages the discharge of secretions, and reduces the development of pulmonary atelectasis. Moreover, through the humidification of the air inhaled, there is a reduction in the mouth dryness discomfort associated with traditional oxygen therapy. It can even alleviate asynchrony, reduce the respiratory frequency, and improve also the efficacy of respiratory efforts, by increasing alveolar ventilation.
Conclusions: the use of high-flow nasal cannula is a beneficial treatment for patients diagnosed with acute respiratory failure.

Keywords:

Oxygen therapy; cannula; respiratory failure; nursing care

Versión en Español

Título:

Beneficios y cuidados enfermeros en el uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo en el paciente con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda