Which device delivers low concentrations of oxygen through two prongs that rest in the patient's nostrils?

Which device delivers low concentrations of oxygen through two prongs that rest in the patient's nostrils?

• A. Nasal cannula
• B. Flowmeter
• C. BVM
• D. ATV

Answer: (A)

Delivering low concentrations of oxygen through two prongs that rest in the nostrils is done by a nasal cannula. The two small prongs sit in the nostrils and carry oxygen from a source at a modest flow, typically about 1–6 liters per minute, which yields an inspired oxygen concentration roughly in the 24–40% range depending on flow and breathing pattern. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and ideal for patients who are breathing on their own but need a modest boost in oxygen. Other devices differ in purpose: a flowmeter is simply a gauge to set and measure the rate of gas flow, not a delivery device itself; a bag-valve-mask provides manual ventilation and can deliver higher, controlled oxygen with positive pressure; ATV (a ventilator) delivers breaths and supports ventilation rather than just delivering oxygen through the nose. So the nasal cannula is the correct choice for delivering low concentrations of oxygen via nostrils.

Delivering low concentrations of oxygen through two prongs that rest in the nostrils is done by a nasal cannula. The two small prongs sit in the nostrils and carry oxygen from a source at a modest flow, typically about 1–6 liters per minute, which yields an inspired oxygen concentration roughly in the 24–40% range depending on flow and breathing pattern. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and ideal for patients who are breathing on their own but need a modest boost in oxygen.

Other devices differ in purpose: a flowmeter is simply a gauge to set and measure the rate of gas flow, not a delivery device itself; a bag-valve-mask provides manual ventilation and can deliver higher, controlled oxygen with positive pressure; ATV (a ventilator) delivers breaths and supports ventilation rather than just delivering oxygen through the nose. So the nasal cannula is the correct choice for delivering low concentrations of oxygen via nostrils.