NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift…: Which is the correct placement of simple oxygen mask in paediatrics?

NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift-2)

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Medium

Appeared in: NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The correct placement for a simple oxygen mask is to ensure it covers both the child's nose and mouth.
This creates a seal that allows the child to inhale the delivered oxygen effectively, regardless of whether they are breathing through their nose or mouth.
As shown in Image B, the mask should fit snugly from the bridge of the nose to just under the chin, without covering the eyes.
This method ensures the prescribed fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) is delivered to the lungs.

Option A: This placement is incorrect and dangerous. The mask is positioned too high, covering the child's eyes, which can cause corneal abrasion or irritation from the oxygen flow.
Option C: This placement is incorrect because it only covers the mouth, leaving the nose exposed. This is highly ineffective, especially for infants who are often obligate nose breathers and will not receive adequate oxygen.
Option D: This placement is completely wrong as the mask is on the child's chin and neck, not covering the airway (nose or mouth) at all. It will provide no oxygen to the patient.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Correct application of a simple oxygen mask in pediatric patients as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must always select the correct size of oxygen mask for pediatric patients, as a mask that is too large or too small will result in an ineffective seal and inadequate oxygenation.
Patient monitoring is critical. A child's movement or agitation can easily displace the mask. The nurse must frequently check and readjust the mask to ensure it remains correctly positioned.
What if? If a child is claustrophobic or highly agitated by a face mask, the nurse should assess if an alternative delivery device, such as a nasal cannula or an oxygen hood (for infants), would be more appropriate and tolerated, while still meeting the child's oxygen needs.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core question, which is about the 'correct placement' of an oxygen mask.
Recall the primary function of an oxygen mask: to deliver oxygen to the lungs via the patient's airway (nose and mouth).
Systematically evaluate each image based on this principle.
Eliminate Image A because covering the eyes is harmful and incorrect.
Eliminate Image C because not covering the nose makes oxygen delivery ineffective, especially for nose-breathing infants.
Eliminate Image D as it completely misses the airway.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Correct application of a simple oxygen mask in pediatric patients.
Stem keywords: simple oxygen mask, paediatrics, correct placement
Lead-in keywords: Which is the correct
Clinical cues: The question requires visual identification of a standard nursing procedure.

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 604-606

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 780-782