You are assessing a patient with altered mental status. Which assessment finding contraindicates the use of the nonrebreather face mask?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A poor tidal volume with a respiratory rate of 18 suggests respiratory distress and a potential need for assisted ventilation, which the nonrebreather face mask may not be able to provide effectively. It is important to ensure proper ventilation and oxygenation in a patient with altered mental status. Therefore, alternative measures such as bag-valve-mask ventilation or intubation may need to be considered. Confusion or a respiratory rate of 24 are not necessarily contraindications for using a nonrebreather face mask, and clear and equal breath sounds indicate adequate air movement but do not necessarily assess oxygenation.

You Are Assessing a Patient with Altered Mental Status