Your patient is a 62-year-old woman with a history of COPD. She is slightly more short of breath than usual today. She is alert and speaks three to four words between breaths. Her SpO₂ is 93 percent on room air. Which of the following devices should be used for the administration of oxygen to this patient? A) Nonrebreather mask B) Nasal cannula C) CPAP D) BVM

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's oxygen saturation is only slightly decreased and she is able to speak between breaths, indicating that she may not require a high concentration of oxygen. A nasal cannula delivers a lower concentration of oxygen than a nonrebreather mask and allows the patient to continue speaking and eating. CPAP and BVM are not appropriate for this patient as she is only slightly short of breath and not in respiratory distress.

Your Patient Is a 62-Year-Old Woman with a History of COPD