Question

Which of the following airway devices helps maintain FiO2 of 0.25-0.60, irrespective of the patient’s breathing effort?

• A. Nasal cannula
• B. Simple face mask
• C. Venturi mask
• D. Non-rebreathing mask

Hint:

For precise oxygen delivery, especially in patients with respiratory conditions, the Venturi mask is the best choice. It ensures that FiO2 remains constant, regardless of the patient's breathing effort.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Oxygen therapy is essential in managing patients with respiratory distress or inadequate oxygenation. The choice of the oxygen delivery device is determined by the desired FiO2 and the patient's breathing effort.
Venturi mask is designed to deliver a precise FiO2, typically ranging from 0.25 to 0.60, regardless of the patient's breathing effort. This mask uses a venturi valve to mix a specific amount of room air with oxygen, providing a controlled and consistent oxygen concentration. It is especially useful in patients with chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD, where precise oxygen delivery is critical.
Nasal cannula typically delivers an FiO2 of 0.24 to 0.40, depending on the flow rate and the patient's breathing pattern. It is not as precise as a venturi mask and may not maintain a consistent FiO2.
Simple face mask delivers an FiO2 of approximately 0.40 to 0.60, but the oxygen concentration is not as precisely controlled as with a venturi mask. The FiO2 also varies based on the patient's breathing effort and mask fit.
Non-rebreathing mask provides a high concentration of oxygen (up to 1.00 FiO2), but it is designed for short-term use in emergency situations and delivers high oxygen concentrations, which is not the goal of the present question. Thus, the correct device that maintains FiO2 of 0.25-0.60, irrespective of the patient’s breathing effort, is the Venturi mask.