Question

The nurse is caring for a patient with an order for low-flow oxygen less than 7 liters per minute. How can the oxygen be administered. Select all that apply

a. Nasal cannula
b. Simple mask
c. Venturi mask
d. Partial rebreather mask
e. Non rebreather mask

Answer 1

For administering low-flow oxygen less than 7 liters per minute, a nasal cannula, Venturi mask, and possibly a simple mask are appropriate. Partial rebreather and non-rebreather masks are not suitable for such low-flow requirements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate methods for administering low-flow oxygen of less than 7 liters per minute to a patient are a. Nasal cannula, c. Venturi mask, and possibly b. Simple mask, depending on the oxygen concentration required. A nasal cannula is typically used for low-flow oxygen rates, typically 1-6 liters per minute, delivering approximately 24-44% oxygen. The Venturi mask is adjustable for oxygen concentrations of 24-50% and is used for exact oxygen concentration delivery. Simple masks generally deliver oxygen concentrations from 35-50%, but is less precise than the Venturi mask and is suited for flows of 5-10 liters per minute.

Conversely, a partial rebreather mask and a non-rebreather mask, typically require flows higher than what was ordered as they are designed for higher oxygen delivery, and therefore, they are not appropriate for a low-flow oxygen order of less than 7 liters per minute.