Oxygen Delivery Devices & Systems Flashcards

Flashcards covering low-flow and high-flow oxygen delivery systems, safety alerts, flow rates, FiO2 ranges, and clinical indications based on Sole's Introduction to Critical Care Nursing (9th Ed.).

What is the primary clinical purpose of administering supplemental oxygen?

Supplemental oxygen is administered to prevent or treat hypoxemia.

How are oxygen delivery systems broadly classified, and what is the basis for this classification?

Oxygen delivery systems are broadly classified into low-flow and high-flow systems based on whether the gas flow meets the patient's full inspiratory demand.

What defines a low-flow oxygen delivery system?

Low-flow systems deliver oxygen at flow rates less than the patient's total inspiratory demand, causing the patient to entrain ambient room air and resulting in variable FiO2 based on respiratory rate, tidal volume, and ventilatory pattern.

What are the flow rate and delivered FiO2 range for a standard nasal cannula?

The flow rate is $1 - 6\,\text{L/min}$ and the delivered FiO2 ranges from $24\%$ to $44\%$.

According to the rule of thumb for a nasal cannula, how much does each $1\,\text{L/min}$ increase in flow raise the delivered FiO2?

Each $1\,\text{L/min}$ increase adds approximately $4\%$ to FiO2 ($1\,\text{L/min} \approx 24\%$, $2\,\text{L/min} \approx 28\%$, $3\,\text{L/min} \approx 32\%$).

Why should oxygen flow rates via a nasal cannula not exceed $6\,\text{L/min}$?

Flow rates greater than $6\,\text{L/min}$ exceed anatomical nasopharyngeal reservoir capacity and dry mucosa without providing additional benefit.

What is the primary nursing priority regarding skin inspection for a patient on a nasal cannula?

Inspect the nares and skin behind/above ears regularly for pressure breakdown.

What are the flow rate and FiO2 parameters for a Simple Face Mask?

The flow rate is $5 - 12\,\text{L/min}$ and the FiO2 ranges from $30\%$ to $60\%$.

What critical safety rule must be followed when setting the flow meter for a Simple Face Mask, and why?

The flow meter must be set to at least $5\,\text{L/min}$ to flush exhaled $\text{CO}_2$ from the mask and prevent rebreathing.

How should the flow rate be titrated for a Partial-Rebreather Mask?

Set the flow meter so that the reservoir bag deflates no more than one-half ($< 50\%$) during inspiration.

What are the flow rate and FiO2 parameters for a Non-Rebreather Mask?

The flow rate is $10 - 15\,\text{L/min}$ and the FiO2 ranges from $60\%$ to $80\%$ (up to $100\%$ in codes).

What is the function of the one-way valves on a Non-Rebreather Mask?

One-way valves located between the mask and reservoir bag, and over the exhalation port, prevent rebreathing of room air or $\text{CO}_2$.

What defines a high-flow oxygen delivery system?

High-flow systems supply gas at flow rates that meet or exceed total inspiratory demand, delivering a precise and consistent FiO2 regardless of breathing pattern.

How does a Venturi (air-entrainment) mask deliver fixed FiO2 concentrations?

It uses color-coded jet adapters operating on the Bernoulli principle to entrain specific ratios of room air.

Why is the Venturi mask considered the choice device for hypoxemic COPD patients?

It delivers a highly accurate, fixed FiO2, preventing excess oxygen from suppressing the patient's hypoxic respiratory drive.

What specific fixed FiO2 levels can be delivered using a Venturi mask?

The Venturi mask delivers fixed FiO2 values of $24\%$, $28\%$, $31\%$, $35\%$, and $40\%$.

What safety alert must nurses maintain regarding the physical setup of a Venturi mask?

Ensure that entrainment ports remain unobstructed by bed linens or clothing.

What are the flow rate and FiO2 capabilities of a High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)?

The flow rate ranges from $15$ to $60\,\text{L/min}$ and the FiO2 ranges from $60\%$ to $90\%+$.

What physiological effects are produced by a High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)?

It delivers heated and fully humidified gas, generates low PEEP (approximately $1\,\text{cm H}_2\text{O}$ per $10\,\text{L/min}$ flow), flushes upper airway $\text{CO}_2$ dead-space, and significantly reduces work of breathing.

When is aerosol therapy indicated for oxygen administration?

Aerosol therapy is indicated to prevent mucosal drying when flow rates exceed $4\,\text{L/min}$ or when artificial airways bypass natural upper respiratory tract humidification.

How should an aerosol mask or T-piece delivery system be set up and adjusted?

Set the initial flow rate at $10\,\text{L/min}$ and adjust it so that a constant mist is visible from the exhalation port.

What flow rate and equipment setup are required for a Manual Resuscitation Bag (BVM) to deliver $100\%$ FiO2?

It must be attached to a $15\,\text{L/min}$ oxygen source with an attached oxygen reservoir.