A patient has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The patient's oxygen flow rate should be set to no more than _____ L/min.
A) 5 to 10
B) 4 to 5
C) 2 to 3
D) 1 to 2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients with obstructive lung disease are given only 2 to 3 L/min of oxygen, because over time they adjust to high carbon dioxide levels, and their stimulus to breathe comes from low arterial oxygen levels. Higher amounts of oxygen could reduce or eliminate the respiratory drive.

A Patient Has a History of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease