NORCET -4 , 2023
Medical & Surgical Nursing
Easy

Identify the following method of oxygenation which is denoting in image?

Appeared in: NORCET -4 , 2023

Explanation

  • The device shown is a Non-rebreather mask (NRBM), identified by its key components: a face mask, an attached reservoir bag, and a one-way valve system.
  • The one-way valve between the mask and the bag prevents exhaled air from mixing with the pure oxygen in the reservoir, ensuring the patient inhales a high concentration of oxygen.
  • Flaps over the exhalation ports prevent the entrainment of room air during inhalation, further increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂).
  • This design allows the NRBM to deliver the highest concentration of oxygen (up to 95%) among low-flow delivery systems, making it suitable for patients with severe hypoxemia.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: A partial re-breather mask also has a reservoir bag, but it lacks the one-way valves on the exhalation ports. This design allows the patient to rebreathe the first third of their exhaled air, which is rich in oxygen, resulting in a lower FiO₂ compared to an NRBM.
  • Option B: A simple oxygen mask consists only of the face mask and tubing. It does not have an attached reservoir bag. It delivers a lower, less precise concentration of oxygen because room air is mixed with oxygen through the side ports.
  • Option D: A Venturi mask is characterized by its color-coded entrainment adapters that connect to the base of the mask. These adapters allow for the delivery of a precise, predetermined oxygen concentration. The mask in the image lacks these adapters and instead has a reservoir bag.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
  • Visual 1: Diagram - A comparative chart showing illustrations of a Simple Mask, Partial Rebreather, Non-Rebreather, and Venturi Mask side-by-side, with labels pointing to key features like the reservoir bag, one-way valves, and entrainment adapters. This helps in direct visual comparison.
  • Visual 2: Flowchart - A decision tree for selecting an oxygen delivery device based on the required FiO₂ and patient condition, showing when to choose an NRBM versus other devices.
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of oxygen delivery devices as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • The NRBM is a critical tool in emergency medicine and critical care for treating patients with severe respiratory distress, trauma, or carbon monoxide poisoning who require high concentrations of oxygen but are still breathing spontaneously.
  • A key nursing safety check is to ensure the reservoir bag is always inflated. If the bag collapses completely on inspiration, the oxygen flow rate is too low and must be increased immediately to prevent the patient from rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide.
  • What if? If the one-way valve between the mask and bag were removed, the device would function as a partial rebreather mask, delivering a lower FiO₂ and allowing for some rebreathing of exhaled air.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, carefully examine the image to identify all components of the oxygen delivery device shown.
  • Note the presence of a face mask, attached tubing, and a large reservoir bag. This immediately narrows the choices to masks with reservoirs (Partial or Non-rebreather).
  • Look for the key differentiating feature: one-way valves. Observe the valve between the mask and the bag, and the flaps over the side ports.
  • Recall the function of each type of mask. The one-way valve system is unique to the Non-rebreather mask and is designed to maximize oxygen delivery while preventing rebreathing of CO₂.
  • Compare your observation with the definitions of the options provided to select the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Identification of oxygen delivery devices
  • Stem keywords: method of oxygenation, image, identify
  • Lead-in keywords: Identify

Question ID

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