A home care patient receiving long-term O2 therapy at 5 L/min complains that her nondisposable humidifier is not bubbling properly
Upon inspection of the humidifier, you notice hard white deposits in and around the diffusing element. Which of the following would you recommend to this patient?
a. Stop using the humidifier because there is no need for it at this flow.
b. Replace the device and fill with distilled water, not tap water.
c. Increase the flow at night to help clean out the humidifier.
d. Replace the device and fill with sterile water, not tap water.
ANS: B
Otherwise, the porous diffusing element may become occluded. Although complete blockage is unlikely, occlusion of the diffusing element can impair humidification and alter flow.
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