A patient who is suspected of being hypoxic and is breathing adequately should receive supplemental oxygen with which device?

A patient who is suspected of being hypoxic and is breathing adequately should receive supplemental oxygen with which device?

• A. Nonrebreathing mask
• B. Bag-mask device
• C. Nasal cannula
• D. Mouth-to-mask device

Answer: (A)

When a patient is hypoxic but still breathing on their own, the goal is to deliver the highest possible oxygen concentration without needing to assist ventilation. A nonrebreathing mask does this best: it creates a tight seal and uses a reservoir to deliver high-concentration oxygen with minimal room-air mixing. With proper flow (typically 10–15 L/min) it can provide roughly 80–95% oxygen, depending on fit and flow. The bag-mask device is used to ventilate or provide assisted breaths, which isn’t needed if the patient is breathing adequately. A nasal cannula delivers less oxygen (about up to 44%) and is suited for milder hypoxia or comfort. A mouth-to-mouth device is an older method and does not reliably provide high FiO2. So, for a spontaneously breathing patient who is hypoxic, the nonrebreathing mask is the best choice to maximize oxygen delivery.

When a patient is hypoxic but still breathing on their own, the goal is to deliver the highest possible oxygen concentration without needing to assist ventilation. A nonrebreathing mask does this best: it creates a tight seal and uses a reservoir to deliver high-concentration oxygen with minimal room-air mixing. With proper flow (typically 10–15 L/min) it can provide roughly 80–95% oxygen, depending on fit and flow.

The bag-mask device is used to ventilate or provide assisted breaths, which isn’t needed if the patient is breathing adequately. A nasal cannula delivers less oxygen (about up to 44%) and is suited for milder hypoxia or comfort. A mouth-to-mouth device is an older method and does not reliably provide high FiO2.

So, for a spontaneously breathing patient who is hypoxic, the nonrebreathing mask is the best choice to maximize oxygen delivery.