Entre mitos e evidências: o uso inadequado de oxigênio no ambiente hospitalar
Entre mitos e evidências: o uso inadequado de oxigênio no ambiente hospitalar
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.820811225251115
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Palavras-chave: Oxigenoterapia; Medicina Baseada em Evidências; Segurança do Paciente; Hiperóxia; Cuidados Paliativos.
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Keywords: Oxygen Therapy; Evidence-Based Medicine; Patient Safety; Hyperoxia; Palliative Care.
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Abstract: Introduction: Oxygen therapy is a frequent intervention in hospital settings, yet its practice remains permeated by perpetuating myths. Despite evidence demonstrating that both hypoxemia and hyperoxia are associated with adverse outcomes, inadequate practices continue to prevail, reflecting educational gaps and misconceptions of oxygen as risk-free therapy. Objective: To critically analyze the main myths related to hospital oxygen therapy, providing evidence-based recommendations. Methods: Narrative review of ten myths identified by professionals with over 15 years of experience in intensive care. Searches were conducted in PubMed and Cochrane Library databases, prioritizing randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and guidelines. Results: Ten prevalent myths were analyzed: occlusion of Venturi mask ports, need for arterial blood gas for low-flow device adjustment, oxygen for reabsorption of gas collections, hyperoxia for surgical wound healing, mandatory humidification, oxygen for fatigue without documented hypoxemia, maintaining SpO2 at 100%, oxygen restriction in COPD due to hypoxic drive fear, routine use post-myocardial infarction, and oxygen for palliative care patients in active dying process without hypoxemia. Analysis of the evidence demonstrated that all these practices lack an adequate scientific foundation or present risks that outweigh theoretical benefits. Conclusion: Oxygen therapy remains surrounded by non-evidence-based practices. Continuing education for healthcare professionals and the implementation of evidence-based institutional protocols are essential to optimize the therapeutic use of oxygen and minimize adverse events related to hyperoxia or inadequate device use.
- Caio Henrique Veloso da Costa
- Daniel Lago Borges
- Angelo Roncalli Miranda Rocha