A cooperative and alert postoperative patient who is able to eat requires a continuous but low FiO₂. Precise FiO₂ concentrations are not needed. Which of the following devices would best achieve this end?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A nasal cannula provides a continuous flow of oxygen at a low concentration, making it the best choice for a cooperative and alert postoperative patient who is able to eat. The other options (simple mask, air-entrainment mask, and nonrebreathing mask) provide higher FiO2 concentrations, which may not be necessary in this case and can cause discomfort or unnecessary oxygen toxicity.

A Cooperative and Alert Postoperative Patient Who Is Able to Eat