If a physician orders supplemental O2 through a nasal cannula at a flow of 12 L/min for 60% O2, what do you recommend?

In the scenario presented, the physician has ordered supplemental oxygen to achieve 60% oxygen concentration. A nasal cannula typically delivers oxygen at concentrations ranging from 24% to 44% depending on the flow rate, and while increasing the flow rate may provide a slightly higher concentration, it typically does not reach levels as high as 60%.

A partial rebreather mask is designed to provide a higher concentration of oxygen due to its reservoir bag, which allows some exhaled air to mix with incoming oxygen. This type of mask can provide concentrations of oxygen ranging from approximately 40% to 70%, depending on the flow rate and the patient’s breathing pattern. By using a partial rebreather mask at an adequate flow rate (usually around 10 to 15 L/min), it is possible to meet the physician's order for 60% oxygen more effectively than with a nasal cannula.

Other options would not meet the 60% oxygen requirement as effectively. For instance, a simple mask typically provides less than 60% oxygen, particularly at lower flow rates, and while a non-rebreather mask can deliver very high concentrations of oxygen, it is important for the flow rate to be sufficient to keep the reservoir bag inflated, which