| Table 14-1 | Oxygen Delivery Systems | |
| Method | Amount Delivered FiO2 (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen) | Priority Nursing Interventions |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal cannula | Low flow 1-2 L/min = 24-28% 3-5 L/min = 32-40% 6 L/min = 44% | Check frequently that both prongs are in the patient's nares. For patients with chronic lung disease, limit rate to the minimum needed to raise arterial oxygen saturation to maintain a level of 88-92% (Mitchell, 2015). |
| Nasal cannula | High flow Maximum flow 60 L/min 10 L/min = 65% 15 L/min = 90% | Closely monitor the patient's respiratory status for changes indicating impending respiratory failure. Pharyngeal pressure is affected by mouth opening or closing, delivered flow, and size of nasal prongs (Nishimura, 2016). High-flow nasal cannula oxygen delivery is often better tolerated by children than other noninvasive delivery methods (Mayfield et al., 2014). |
| Simple mask | Low flow 5-8 L/min = 40-60% (5 L/min is minimum setting) | Monitor patient frequently to check mask placement. Support patient if claustrophobia is a concern. Secure a prescribed intervention to replace mask with nasal cannula during mealtime. |
| Nonrebreather mask | Low flow 10-15 L/min = 80-95% | Maintain flow rate so reservoir bag collapses only slightly during inspiration. Check that valves and rubber flaps are functioning properly (open during expiration and closed during inhalation). |
| Monitor SaO2 with pulse oximeter. | ||
| Venturi mask | High flow 4-10 L/min = 24-40% | Requires careful monitoring to verify FiO2 at prescribed flow rate. Check that air intake valves are not blocked. |
Source: Reprinted with permission from Hinkle, J. L., Cheever, K. H., & Overbaugh, K. (2022). Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of medical-surgical nursing (15th ed.). Wolters Kluwer; additional information adapted from Nishimura, M. (2016). High-glow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in adults: Physiological benefits, indication, clinical benefits and adverse effects. Respiratory Care, 61(4), 529-541. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.04577