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.