Is it true or false that nasal anatomy and breathing patterns affect the performance of reservoir cannulas?

The correct assertion regarding reservoir cannulas is that nasal anatomy and breathing patterns significantly impact their performance. This is due to the design of the reservoir cannula, which relies on collecting oxygen during inhalation and storing it for subsequent breaths.

Nasal anatomy plays a role because variations such as the size and shape of nasal passages can influence how well a patient can draw in oxygen through the cannula. For instance, a patient with narrower passages may experience reduced airflow, which can diminish the efficiency of oxygen delivery. Similarly, breathing patterns, including whether a patient breathes primarily through their nose or mouth, can also affect oxygen intake. A patient who predominantly breathes through their mouth may not utilize the reservoir effectively, leading to suboptimal oxygen concentration.

In essence, recognizing that nasal anatomy and breathing patterns indeed affect the efficacy of reservoir cannulas is crucial to providing effective medical gas therapy.