Practice Question
A patient is receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula. The nurse understands that the maximum flow rate that should administered through this device is
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
6L/min
Rationale:
💎 Flow Rate Range: A nasal cannula delivers oxygen concentrations from 1 to 6 liters per minute (L/min). Increasing the flow beyond 6 L/min is not recommended because it does not significantly raise oxygen concentration and can cause mucosal drying or irritation.
💎 Oxygen Concentration: At 1 L/min, the FiO₂ (fraction of inspired oxygen) is approximately 24%, and it increases by about 4% for each additional liter—reaching up to around 44% at 6 L/min.
💎 Mechanism: The nasal cannula allows the patient to breathe comfortably while eating or talking, making it suitable for clients requiring low-flow oxygen therapy.
💎 Nursing Care: Nurses should monitor the client’s SpO₂, ensure the cannula prongs are properly positioned, and provide humidification for flow rates above 4 L/min to prevent nasal dryness.
💎 Safety Note: If a patient requires more than 6 L/min to maintain adequate oxygenation, a different device (such as a simple face mask or Venturi mask) should be used for higher oxygen delivery.
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This question is from PN-CUSTOM GAS EXCHANGE AND OXYGENATION CLONED ASSESSMENT 2 which contains 50 questions.
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PN-CUSTOM GAS EXCHANGE AND OXYGENATION CLONED ASSESSMENT 2
50 Questions
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- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4