Oxygen Masks and Flow Rates Quiz

13 Questions

Why is the nasal cannula ineffective when the patient's nose is blocked by blood or mucus?

It reduces the concentration of inspired oxygen

What is the maximum oxygen flow rate for a nasal cannula?

4 L per min

Why should the oxygen delivery through any face mask always exceed the minimum flow rate of 6L per min?

To prevent CO2 accumulation in the mask

What oxygen concentration range can be delivered through a simple face mask?

35% to 60%

What is the main benefit of the Venturi mask?

Precise regulation of Fi O2

In which condition is the Venturi mask typically used?

Lung and chest injuries preventing sufficient oxygen intake

What is the purpose of the color-coded adapters attached to the Venturi mask?

To control the oxygen flow rate

Why are Venturi masks advised for patients with COPD?

To ensure precise regulation of Fi O2

What could happen if a partial rebreather mask is used with a flow rate above 10L per min?

Oxygen concentration will not be enhanced

What happens to the portion of the patient's exhaled gas that enters the reservoir bag of a partial rebreather mask?

It is reused

In which type of patients should the non-rebreather mask most often be used?

Patients needing high-concentration oxygen delivery

What is the purpose of the flutter valve assembly in the non-rebreather mask?

To prevent exhaled air from returning to the reservoir bag

What should paramedics do to ensure the proper functioning of the non-rebreather mask?

Maintain at least two-thirds fullness of the reservoir bag

Study Notes

Nasal Cannula

Ineffective when the patient's nose is blocked by blood or mucus due to obstructed oxygen flow
Maximum oxygen flow rate is 6L per min

Face Masks

Oxygen delivery should always exceed 6L per min to prevent rebreathing of carbon dioxide
Simple face mask can deliver an oxygen concentration range of 40-60%

Venturi Mask

Main benefit is precise oxygen concentration delivery
Typically used in conditions requiring precise oxygen control, such as COPD
Color-coded adapters attached to the Venturi mask indicate the corresponding oxygen concentration
Advised for patients with COPD as it provides a precise oxygen concentration, which is crucial for these patients

Partial Rebreather Mask

Using a flow rate above 10L per min can cause the mask to become a non-rebreather mask
The portion of the patient's exhaled gas that enters the reservoir bag is rebreathed, allowing for some oxygen conservation

Non-Rebreather Mask

Most often used in patients who require high oxygen concentrations and are at risk of respiratory failure
The flutter valve assembly in the non-rebreather mask prevents exhaled gas from entering the reservoir bag
To ensure proper functioning, paramedics should check the valve assembly and replace the oxygen reservoir bag regularly