Question

A RT evaluates a child receiving 35% oxygen by an air entrainment nebulizer connected to a tracheostomy mask. The RT notes the child's secretions are very thick and difficult to remove by suctioning. Which of the following should the RT do?

a) Increase the oxygen concentration
b) Add humidity to the oxygen
c) Switch to a non-rebreather mask
d) Decrease the oxygen flow rate

Answer 1

The RT should add humidity to the oxygen to help with the thick secretions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The RT should add humidity to the oxygen to help with the thick secretions. When oxygen is delivered through an air entrainment nebulizer, it can dry out the airways and cause the secretions to become thick. Adding humidity to the oxygen helps to moisten the airways and make it easier to remove the secretions by suctioning. Increasing the oxygen concentration, switching to a non-rebreather mask, or decreasing the oxygen flow rate would not directly address the issue of thick secretions.