A physician orders 2 L/min O2 through a simple mask to a 33-year-old postoperative woman with moderate hypoxemia breathing room air (PaO2 = 52 mm Hg). What would be the correct action at this time?
a. Carry out the physician's prescription ex-actly as written.
b. Recommend that the mask be changed to a cannula at 2 L/min.
c. Recommend a flow of at least 5 L/min to washout carbon dioxide (CO2).
d. Do not apply the O2 until the medical di-rector has been contacted.
ANS: C
At a flow less than 5 L/min, the mask volume acts as dead space and causes CO2 rebreathing.
Health Professions
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