Oxygen Delivery Systems

• What are nasal prongs used for?

  Oxygen delivery
• How do nasal prongs fit?

  They fit into the nose
• What is the maximum flow rate of nasal prongs?

  6 L/minute
• How much oxygen do nasal prongs deliver per litre?

  4% per litre
• What are the advantages of using nasal prongs?

  • Can eat/drink while wearing
  • More comfortable than a mask
• What are the limitations of nasal prongs?

  • Easily dislodged
  • Drying to the nose
  • Not effective if mouth breathing
• What is a simple face mask used for?

  It fits over the nose and mouth
• What is the purpose of ventilation holes in a simple face mask?

  To allow CO2 to be exhaled
• What percentage of oxygen can a simple face mask deliver?

  Up to 60%
• What are the advantages of a simple face mask?

  • Provides moderate oxygen concentrations
  • Efficiency depends on mask fit and patient’s respiratory demands
• What are the disadvantages of a simple face mask?

  • Confining feeling
  • Difficult to eat/drink while wearing
• What is a non-rebreather (NRB) mask?

  A simple mask with a small reservoir bag
• What is the function of the one-way valves in a non-rebreather mask?

  To allow inhalation from the reservoir bag only
• What happens during exhalation with a non-rebreather mask?

  Gases are directed out through exhalation ports
• What is the oxygen delivery percentage of a non-rebreather mask?

  Delivers 60-80%
• What are the disadvantages of a non-rebreather mask?

  • Short-term use only
  • Risk of suffocation
  • Requires tight seal
• What is a Venturi mask?

  A high-flow system with corrugated tubing
• What is the maximum oxygen delivery percentage of a Venturi mask?

  Delivers up to 50%
• What are the advantages of a Venturi mask?

  • Delivers more precise flow
• What are the disadvantages of a Venturi mask?

  • Mask may be hot and confining
  • Interferes with talking and eating
  • Requires a properly fitting mask