What does "high flow" oxygen refer to in terms of delivery?

• A. Providing oxygen at low concentrations
• B. Using nasal cannulas
• C. Providing oxygen at concentrations greater than 90% using non-rebreather masks
• D. Using oxygen concentrators only

Answer: (C)

High flow oxygen refers to the delivery of oxygen at concentrations greater than 90%, which is typically achieved through the use of non-rebreather masks. This method is designed to ensure that the patient receives a high volume of oxygen quickly, which is especially important in emergency situations where a patient's oxygen saturation may be critically low.

Non-rebreather masks have a reservoir bag that fills with oxygen, allowing for a higher concentration of oxygen to be delivered directly to the patient's lungs. This is crucial for conditions such as severe respiratory distress or hypoxia, where the body is struggling to get enough oxygen.

In contrast, using nasal cannulas and oxygen concentrators does not provide the same level of oxygen concentration as a non-rebreather mask can. Nasal cannulas typically deliver lower concentrations of oxygen, which may not be sufficient for patients requiring high levels of oxygen therapy. Meanwhile, oxygen concentrators, while useful for long-term oxygen needs, may not always achieve the immediate high flow rates needed in acute care settings.

Thus, the focus on concentrations greater than 90% with non-rebreather masks clearly exemplifies what is meant by "high flow" oxygen delivery.