Lab: Oxygenation

Question 1

Nasal Cannula

Answer 1

1-6L/min
FiO2: 24-44%

Indication: Mild shortness of breath, asthma, COPD, CF, pneumonia, to ease work of breathing

Risks: Mucosal drying, skin, breakdown at nares and ears

Question 2

Simple Face Mask

Answer 2

6-10L/min
FiO2: 40-60%

Indication: If NC is insufficient and/or mild respiratory distress

Risks: Claustrophobia, CO2 buildup on low flow rates, cannot eat or drink while wearing, may not fit well

Question 3

Nonrebreather Mask

Answer 3

1-15L/min
FiO2: up to 95%

Indication: If NC or simple mask are insufficient, traumatic injuries, after smoke inhalation

Risks: Uncomfortable on patient’s face, impedes patient’s ability to communicate, eat and drink

Question 4

Venturi Mask

Answer 4

2-15L/min
FiO2: 24-60%

Indication: Often used in persistent hypercarbia or moderate to severe hypoxemia (COP)

Risks: Only goes up to 60% FiO2, so not for patients who have significantly high oxygen demans, bulky, impedes communication, eating and drinking

Question 5

High Flow Nasal Cannula

Answer 5

30-60L/min
FiO2: 21-100%

Indication: Pneumonia, post-extubation, pre-oxygenation prior to intubation, DNI patients with respiratory failure

Risks: Expensive, not typically available for home use due to high flow rates

Question 6

Bag Valve Mask

Answer 6

12-15L/min
FiO2: 60-100%

Indication: Emergent resuscitation, hypercapnic respiratory failure, hypoxic respiratory failure, apnea, altered mental status with the inability to protect the airway

Risks: Requires an effective seal, provider fatigue, used for short term ventilation only

Question 7

Spirometer

Answer 7

Have patient take a deep breath in and then exhale completely for as long as you can