Question

A client is receiving oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula at 3 L/min. The nurse estimates that the client is receiving which concentration of oxygen?

a) 26%
b) 34%
c) 30%
d) 22%

Answer 1

A client receiving oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula at 3 L/min is estimated to be receiving approximately 33% oxygen, which is closest to option b) 34%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client receiving oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula at 3 L/min is estimated to be receiving an oxygen concentration of around 32% to 35%. However, this can vary slightly depending on the individual's breathing pattern, but typically each liter per minute increase of oxygen via nasal cannula increases the oxygen concentration by about 4 percentage points, starting from 21% (which is the concentration of oxygen in room air). Therefore, using this estimate:

• 1 L/min would provide an approximate concentration of 25%.
• 2 L/min would provide approximately 29%.
• 3 L/min would then likely provide about 33%, which is closest to answer option b (34%).

Medical providers use this estimation method to adjust oxygen therapy accordingly.