Final answer:
A patient can receive nearly 100% oxygen concentration from a Bag Valve Mask (BVM) with O₂ flowing at 10-15 LPM, although the actual percentage can vary slightly based on the use and seal of the mask.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient receiving oxygen from a Bag Valve Mask (BVM) with O₂ flowing at 10-15 liters per minute (LPM) can receive nearly 100% oxygen. The oxygen concentration delivered through a BVM is quite high because the device is designed to provide full ventilation support when other measures, like a simple oxygen mask, are insufficient. When used with a proper seal over the patient's mouth and nose and enough oxygen flow, the BVM minimizes the entrainment of room air, thereby maximizing the oxygen concentration delivered to the patient.
It's critical to ensure that the BVM is used correctly to achieve these high concentrations of oxygen. Factors such as the tightness of the mask's seal against the patient's face, the patient's breathing pattern, and the proper functioning of the BVM's reservoir and valves all play a role in the effective delivery of high-concentration oxygen. In practice, these factors can mean that the actual percentage of oxygen delivered can vary slightly, but with optimal use, near 100% is the expected concentration.
By comparison, room air contains about 21% oxygen, and typical supplemental oxygen therapy administered via nasal cannula or simple face mask delivers between 24% and 60% oxygen, depending on the flow rate and device design. The ability to deliver a high concentration of oxygen with a BVM is especially valuable in emergency situations, where a patient may be experiencing severe hypoxemia or apnea and needs immediate support to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels.