A patient reports a dry nose and throat. He is receiving 6 L of O2 through a nasal cannula. Which of the following is most appropriate to address the patient's dry nose and throat?

a. Decrease the oxygen flow rate to 3 L.
b. Add a low-flow bubble humidifier.
c. Suggest an aerosol treatment with a mu-colytic agent.
d. Take no action.

ANS: B
If a nasal cannula is set to deliver more than 5 L/min, humidification will be necessary. A low-flow bubble humidifier humidifies the gas traveling to the patient through a nasal cannula with approximately 40% to 50% of the relative humidity at standard room temperatures. See Figure 6-4. The other options are not applicable.