Venturi mask has high rate of $O_2$ supply to the patient?
Appeared in: NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift-2)
Explanation
The Venturi mask is a high-flow oxygen delivery system designed to deliver a precise and fixed fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2).
It operates on the Venturi principle, entraining a specific amount of room air to mix with the oxygen flow, allowing for accurate FiO2 delivery.
The typical FiO2 range that can be delivered with a standard set of color-coded adapters is from 24% to 60%.
This precision is crucial for patients who require careful titration of oxygen, such as those with COPD.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option B: This range is incomplete. It omits the lower concentrations (e.g., 24%, 28%, 35%) that are a key feature of the Venturi system and essential for managing certain patient populations.
Option C: This range is incorrect and physiologically dangerous. A Venturi mask entrains room air (21% oxygen) and cannot deliver a hypoxic mixture (less than 21% oxygen).
Option D: This high FiO2 range is characteristic of other devices, specifically a non-rebreather mask, which can deliver up to 95% oxygen.
Related Visual
Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration of a Venturi mask showing the mask, the barrel, and the interchangeable, color-coded diluter jets. This helps visualize how the device works.
Visual 2: Chart - A comparison table of different oxygen delivery devices (Nasal Cannula, Simple Mask, Venturi Mask, Non-rebreather) with their respective FiO2 ranges and flow rates.
Clinical Relevance
Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Oxygen delivery via Venturi mask and its FiO2 range to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
The primary clinical use for a Venturi mask is in patients who require a precise FiO2, especially those at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure, like patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Precise oxygen delivery prevents over-oxygenation, which can suppress the hypoxic respiratory drive in certain COPD patients, leading to respiratory arrest.
Nursing intervention: Always ensure the air entrainment ports on the Venturi adapter are open and not blocked by bed linens or clothing, as this would lead to an unsafe, high FiO2 delivery.
How to Approach the Question
Identify the keyword in the question: 'Venturi mask'. This is a specific piece of medical equipment.
Recall the key feature of a Venturi mask: it is a high-flow device that delivers a precise concentration of oxygen (FiO2).
Remember the typical FiO2 range for this device. It starts from a low percentage (24%) and goes up to a moderate percentage (50-60%).
Evaluate the options. Eliminate any range that is physiologically impossible (e.g., below 21% oxygen) or belongs to a different device (e.g., the very high ranges of a non-rebreather mask).
Select the option that most completely covers the known operational range of a standard Venturi mask system.
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Oxygen delivery via Venturi mask and its FiO2 range.
Stem keywords: Venturi mask, O2 supply, rate
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
QSVJjnYVjS2b56_ngmeLtI
Practise the full NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift-2)
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.