Final answer:
Yes, nasal cannulae can be used for both type I and type II respiratory failure to deliver oxygen therapy. Prematurely born babies with insufficient pulmonary surfactant production may experience difficulty in lung inflation due to lack of surfactant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can nasal cannulae be used in those with type I as well as type II respiratory failure? The answer is Yes. Nasal cannulae can be used for oxygen therapy in both type I (hypoxemic) and type II (hypercapnic) respiratory failure. Type I respiratory failure involves low oxygen levels in the blood without high carbon dioxide levels, while type II involves high carbon dioxide levels. Nasal cannulae allow for varying concentrations of oxygen to be delivered to the patient and are flexible in managing different oxygen requirements.
In cases where a baby is born prematurely and type II cells have not produced sufficient pulmonary surfactant, you might expect the baby to have difficulty inflating the lungs (b). Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, thus preventing their collapse and aiding in lung expansion during breathing.
For patients with sleep apnea, a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is often used. A CPAP is typically affixed to the patient's head with straps, and a mask that covers the nose and mouth to provide continuous airflow, helping to keep the airways open during sleep.