For which of the following patients would you select a heated ...

[MirandaLo]

For which of the following patients would you select a heated humidifier?
 
  1. Patient receiving O2 through a bypassed upper airway
  2. Patient receiving long-term mechanical ventilation
  3. Patient receiving O2 through an oronasal mask
  a. 1 and 2 only
  b. 2 and 3 only
  c. 2 only
  d. 3 only

Question 2

A patient receiving nasal O2 at 3 L/min complains of nasal dryness and irritation. Which of the following actions would be appropriate?
 
  a. Recommending that the flow be de-creased to 2 L/min
  b. Adding a humidifier to the delivery sys-tem
  c. Recommending that the flow be increased to 4 L/min
  d. Switching to a simple mask at 3 L/min

[KKcool]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Heated humidifiers are used mainly for patients with bypassed upper airways and/or for those receiving mechanical ventilatory support.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
For the occasional patient who complains of nasal dryness or irritation when receiving low-flow O2, a humidifier should be added to the delivery system.