If the air intake ports of a 35% air-entrainment mask are obstructed, what would be the expected outcome?

When the air intake ports of a 35% air-entrainment mask are obstructed, the operation of the mask is significantly impacted. The primary function of an air-entrainment mask is to mix a specified percentage of oxygen with ambient air to deliver a precise concentration of oxygen to the patient.

If the air intake ports are blocked, the mask will not be able to entrain air as it is designed to do. As a result, the total flow of gas being delivered to the patient is compromised, which leads to a decreased device output flow. This means the volume of gas delivered drops below the intended flow rate.

Moreover, since the air mixing mechanism relies on air intake, an obstruction would prevent ambient air from mixing with the oxygen supplied by the system. Consequently, the concentration of oxygen delivered to the patient through the mask can increase beyond the specified 35%. It is important to note that this increase is not necessarily safe or beneficial for the patient, as it may lead to unintended hyperoxia (excess oxygen levels in the blood).

Therefore, the expected outcomes of obstructed air intake ports manifest as decreased total output flow and an increased percentage of oxygen delivered to the patient, along with the potential for less comfortable use of the mask due