Oxygen Delivery Systems

Nasal Cannula

Delivers 1–6 L/min of oxygen with 24–44% FiO₂, ideal for stable patients needing minor oxygen support.

Flow Rate of Nasal Cannula

1–6 L/min.

FiO₂ of Nasal Cannula

24–44%.

Best use for Nasal Cannula

Stable patients needing a little O₂ boost.

Memory Hack for Nasal Cannula

You can Can-nula chill with low flow.

Simple Face Mask

Delivers 6–12 L/min of oxygen with 35–50% FiO₂, suitable for short-term therapy.

Flow Rate of Simple Face Mask

6–12 L/min.

FiO₂ of Simple Face Mask

35–50%.

Best use for Simple Face Mask

Short-term therapy.

Warning for Simple Face Mask

Not suitable for claustrophobic patients or those at risk of aspiration.

Memory Hack for Simple Face Mask

Simple mask? Simple math: medium flow, short time.

Venturi Mask

Delivers 2–15 L/min of oxygen with precise variable FiO₂ of 24–50%, best for COPD patients.

Flow Rate of Venturi Mask

2–15 L/min.

FiO₂ of Venturi Mask

24–50% (precise & variable).

Best use for Venturi Mask

COPD patients who can’t handle too much O₂.

Memory Hack for Venturi Mask

Venturi = Variable & Very accurate.

Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB)

Delivers 10–15 L/min of oxygen with 60–90% FiO₂, best for critically ill patients.

Flow Rate of Non-Rebreather Mask

10–15 L/min.

FiO₂ of Non-Rebreather Mask

60–90%.

Best use for Non-Rebreather Mask

Critically ill patients needing high O₂.

Setup for Non-Rebreather Mask

Equipped with one-way valves to stop room air and a reservoir bag.

Memory Hack for Non-Rebreather Mask

Non-rebreather = No room air!

High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)

Delivers up to 60 L/min of oxygen with 21–100% FiO₂, used for respiratory failure.

Flow Rate of High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Up to 60 L/min.

FiO₂ of High-Flow Nasal Cannula

21–100%.

Best use for High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Respiratory failure, distress, airway pressure.

Notes on High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Usually humidified to avoid drying out the nose.

Memory Hack for High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Nasal cannula’s big sibling with superhero powers.

Face Tent

Delivers at least 10 L/min with variable FiO₂ of 24–100%, suitable for patients who can't tolerate masks.

Flow Rate of Face Tent

At least 10 L/min.

FiO₂ of Face Tent

24–100%.

Best use for Face Tent

Patients who can’t tolerate masks.

Special perk of Face Tent

Humidified and non-invasive.

Memory Hack for Face Tent

Face tent = comfort camping for your face.

Which device is best for COPD patients?

Venturi Mask.

Which one has a reservoir bag and one-way valves?

Non-Rebreather Mask.

Which one can go up to 100% FiO₂ and is humidified?

High-Flow Nasal Cannula.

Basic characteristics of oxygen therapy devices

Devices range from nasal cannulas to non-rebreather masks, varying in flow rates and FiO₂ concentrations.

Advantages of Nasal Cannula

Comfortable for stable patients, easy to wear, and allows for drinking or eating.

Disadvantages of Nasal Cannula

Can cause discomfort or drying of the nasal passages.

Role of the Simple Face Mask in oxygen therapy

Provides moderate oxygen therapy; not for patients with claustrophobia.

Benefits of the Venturi Mask

Delivers high-precision oxygen concentrations suitable for COPD management.

Critical circumstances for using Non-Rebreather Mask

In emergencies when patients are critically ill and require immediate high-flow oxygen.

Functionality of the High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Delivers high flow rates while humidifying oxygen to prevent drying.

Specific patient needs addressed by the Face Tent

Comfort for patients with facial trauma or burns who cannot use traditional masks.

Best practices for using Nasal Cannula

Ensure it is secured properly behind the ears to prevent discomfort.

Recommended care for Simple Face Mask

Ensure it is centered on the face for maximum oxygen delivery and comfort.

Key feature of Venturi Mask

Uses color-coded adapters to deliver specific FiO₂ levels.

Important consideration for Non-Rebreather Mask usage

Ensure bag is inflated before placing on patient.

What is the primary use for High-Flow Nasal Cannula?

Management of severe respiratory distress and increased airway pressures.

How does a Face Tent differ from a traditional mask?

It is open and allows for more comfort and air exchange.

What kind of patients benefit from a Non-Rebreather Mask?

Patients in critical condition requiring high oxygen supply.

Describe the flow mechanism of a Venturi Mask.

It mixes room air with oxygen for precise control of oxygen delivery.

Indications for the use of a High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Used in patients experiencing respiratory failure or requiring high supplemental oxygen.

Key points to remember about oxygen delivery devices

Each device has specific indications based on patient condition and required oxygen delivery.

Flow rate limit for a Simple Face Mask

Cannot exceed 12 L/min for safety and effectiveness.

Oxygen delivery range of a Venturi Mask

Allows for variable FiO₂, making it suitable for COPD patients.

Risks associated with using a Non-Rebreather Mask

Potential for CO2 retention if not monitored properly.

Benefits of using a High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Greater comfort, higher flow rates, and can deliver high FiO₂.

Describe the setup for a Face Tent.

Position near patient’s face, with humidified oxygen flow to promote comfort.

Why would a patient prefer a Nasal Cannula over a mask?

Less restrictive and enables easier communication and eating.

Identify a key advantage of a Simple Face Mask.

Provides a moderate level of oxygen quickly.

Best practice when using a Non-Rebreather Mask.

Ensure that the valves are functioning to prevent the rebreathing of exhaled air.

Considerations for patients using the Venturi Mask

Monitor for adequate oxygen saturation and adjust flow rates as needed.

How is oxygen concentration affected by flow rate in Face Mask?

Higher flow rates typically provide higher oxygen concentrations.

Visual characteristics of a High-Flow Nasal Cannula.

Soft nasal prongs designed for high oxygen flow and humidification.

What is a key concern for patients using a Simple Face Mask?

May cause anxiety in claustrophobic individuals.

Patients at risk for aspiration should avoid which device?

Simple Face Mask.

Describe ideal candidates for use of Non-Rebreather Mask.

Patients in respiratory distress who are critically ill.

What is a common challenge for patients using Venturi Masks?

Can be difficult to fit securely for some patients.

Identification characteristic of the Face Tent.

It has an open design for increased comfort.

How does device selection change based on patient condition?

More severe respiratory distress typically requires higher flow devices.

Key feature of the Non-Rebreather Mask.

Includes a large reservoir bag for immediate oxygen supply.

Explain the primary purpose of the High-Flow Nasal Cannula in therapy.

Support for patients with high oxygen demand without intubation.

Therapeutic flow range for the Nasal Cannula compared to Simple Face Mask.

Nasal Cannula has a lower flow range than the Simple Face Mask.