o2 devices

Nasal cannula flow rate

1 - 6 L/min

Nasal cannula type

low flow rate

Nasal cannula

low-concentration O₂ for stable clients. Client can

eat, drink, and talk. Prongs curve toward the floor.

Humidify above 4 L/min

Nasal cannula watch for

it dries the mucosa Check nares and the tops of the ears for skin break down; pad the tubing. Mouth-breathing lowers the dose received.

Simple facemask flow rate

5-10 L/min

Simple facemask type

low flow

Simple facemask

Short-term, higher-concentration O₂. Never run it

below 5 L/min, or the client re-breathes their exhaled

CO₂. Side holes let CO₂ escape. Fit snugly. Remove

for meals (switch to a cannula per order). Can feel

claustrophobic. Watch skin under the mask and

straps.

Venturi mask flow rate

Set by the

prescribed

FiO₂

Venturi mask fi02

24-60%

Venturi mask type

controlled/ high flow

Venturi mask

the most precise FiO₂ of the masks. Best for

COPD/chronic CO₂ retainers, w

ho need exact low-

level O₂. The FiO₂ is set by the color-coded adaptor

or dial; set the flow

meter to the L/

in printed on that

adaptor.

Venturi mask watch for

Keep the entrain

ment ports uncovered

(blankets, sheets). Document the FiO₂ (%), not just

the L/

in. May need hum

idity

Nonrebreather mask flow rate

10-15 L/min

Nonrebreather mask type

low flow rate high concentration

Nonrebreather mask

reservoir bag but no one-way valve, so some

exhaled air is re-breathed. Keep the bag ⅓–½ full.

Nonrebreather

mask fi02

60/80–

95%

(highest of

the masks)

blue fi02

24%

white fio2

28%

orange fi02

31%

yellow fio2

35%

red fi02

40%

green fi02

60%