PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN

Some patients require oxygen supplementation, despite maintaining a patent airway and normal ventilatory drive.  In such cases devices such as nasal cannula, face tents and simple masks can be used to deliver oxygen via positive pressure.  The nasal cannula (plastic tubing inserted into nares) is the most commonly employed low-flow oxygen delivery device.  It provides supplemental oxygen at flows ranging from 0 to 8 L/min, enabling a maximum of 40% O2 to be delivered.  The oxygen concentration (FIO2) can be estimated by adding 4% per liter of O2 delivered.

 

For greater oxygen delivery in a patient with a patent airway, a reservoir systems such as a simple mask, which covers the nose and mouth and can provide flow rates of 10L/min and a maximum FIO2 of 55% to be delivered, and a non-rebreather mask, which uses a series of one way valves and can deliver 10-15 L min and a maximum FIO2 of 80%.  High flow systems, such as nebulizers, can also be used for increased oxygen delivery.

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