A physician orders supplemental O₂ for a patient through a nasal cannula at a flow of 12 L/min. When you ask what the goal is, the physician states that the patient should receive approximately 60% O₂. Which of the following should you recommend?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To achieve 60% oxygen saturation, the recommended method is to use a simple mask, as it provides a higher concentration of oxygen than a nasal cannula. The flow rate should be set between 5 to 12 L/min to avoid discomfort or drying of the nasal mucosa. Using a reservoir mask at 10 L/min (option A) would deliver a higher concentration of oxygen than what is required, and increasing the flow rate to 15 L/min (option B) would not significantly increase oxygen saturation. Giving O₂ through a simple mask at 12 to 15 L/min (option D) may lead to discomfort or rebreathing of exhaled CO2.

A Physician Orders Supplemental O2 for a Patient Through a Nasal

A Physician Orders Supplemental O₂ for a Patient Through a Nasal