Recommendations for traditional nasal cannulas were initially limited to low-flow oxygen rates up to 6 L/min to reduce patient discomfort and mucosal tissue drying. This article discusses the delivery of HFNC, its benefits and risks, and nursing considerations. However, HFNC is controversial because of limited and inconsistent research and the risk for aerosolization of virus particles. Increased HFNC use stems from an attempt to mitigate the virus’s devastating pulmonary effects, including alveolar inflammation that leads to scarring and respiratory compromise, which persist after the virus has been treated.
HFNC provides warmed, humidified oxygen at higher fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO 2) levels and flow rates than conventional oxygen therapy, potentially reducing the number of patients requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. One recent innovative response is high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use for adults experiencing the respiratory effects of COVID-19. Novel and unconventional strategies continue to emerge in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19).
Nurses should be able to implement, monitor, and evaluate patients receiving high-flow nasal cannula therapy.Įditor’s note: This article is an early release web exclusive article for the October 2020 issue of the American Nurse Journal.Nurses should know the risks, benefits, and controversy surrounding high-flow nasal cannulas in adults with COVID-19.Nurses need to understand the nuances of this therapy.
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