Question

The purpose of preoxygenation is

A) To remove nitrogen from the lungs
B) To improve baseline oxygen saturation
C) To create a reservoir of oxygen in the lungs for consumption during apnea
D) To demonstrate adequate mask seal and return of end-tidal CO₂
E) All of the above

Answer 1

Preoxygenation serves multiple purposes including creating an oxygen reservoir in the lungs, removing nitrogen to prevent uptake during apnea, improving baseline oxygen saturation, and ensuring an adequate mask seal with proper end-tidal CO₂ return.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of preoxygenation is to create a reservoir of oxygen in the lungs for consumption during apnea, remove nitrogen from the lungs to avoid nitrogen uptake during periods of low or no ventilation, and to improve baseline oxygen saturation ensuring that the patient has enough oxygen in their system before potentially oxygen-depriving procedures like anesthesia induction. It also serves to demonstrate adequate mask seal and the return of end-tidal CO₂, which are essential components of ensuring the safety and efficiency of ventilation and oxygenation measures in a clinical setting.