Respiratory Care and Oxygenation Flashcards

What is the normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) range for a healthy adult?

Answer: 95-100%

Normal SpO2 for healthy adults is 95-100%; values below 90% indicate hypoxemia requiring immediate intervention.

Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise and controlled oxygen concentration?

Answer: Venturi mask

The Venturi mask uses color-coded jet-mixing adapters to deliver precise, controlled FiO2 concentrations, making it ideal for COPD patients sensitive to high oxygen levels.

An LPN is caring for a patient with COPD requiring supplemental oxygen. Which flow rate should be used cautiously to avoid suppressing the hypoxic drive?

Answer: 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula

COPD patients rely on low oxygen levels as their primary drive to breathe; low-flow oxygen (1-2 L/min) maintains SpO2 at 88-92% without suppressing this hypoxic drive.

Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress?

Answer: High Fowler's (90 degrees)

High Fowler's position promotes maximum lung expansion by allowing the diaphragm to descend fully, improving ventilation and oxygenation.

A patient is using a nasal cannula at 4 L/min. What approximate FiO2 is being delivered?

Answer: 36%

At 4 L/min via nasal cannula, the approximate FiO2 is 36%; each liter per minute adds approximately 4% above the 21% baseline of room air.

What is the most reliable early indicator of respiratory distress in an adult patient?

Answer: Restlessness and anxiety

Restlessness and anxiety are early signs of hypoxia as the brain detects decreased oxygen; cyanosis is a late sign appearing only after significant desaturation.

Which breath sound indicates the presence of fluid in the alveoli or small airways?

Answer: Crackles (rales)

Crackles (rales) are caused by air moving through fluid-filled or collapsed alveoli and small airways, indicating conditions such as pulmonary edema or pneumonia.