Which device is used to deliver oxygen at 10-15 LPM?

• A. Non-Rebreather Mask
• B. Nasal Cannula
• C. Bag-Valve Mask
• D. Simple Face Mask

Answer: (A)

Delivering oxygen at 10-15 L/min requires a method that can push a lot of gas into the lungs without mixing much with room air. The non-rebreather mask does this best: it has a tight seal, a reservoir bag filled with oxygen, and one-way valves that prevent exhaled gas from returning to the bag. With a high flow like 10-15 L/min, the bag stays inflated and most of what the patient inhales comes from the oxygen in the reservoir, giving a very high inspired FiO2—typically around 80-90% when well-fitted.

Nasal cannulas deliver oxygen at lower flows (usually up to 6 L/min) and provide modest FiO2, which is far below what the non-rebreather can achieve. Simple face masks deliver oxygen at moderate flows (about 5-8 L/min) with FiO2 roughly 40-60% and can be less reliable due to mask fit and reservoir inflation. Bag-valve masks are for manual ventilation and, while they can deliver high oxygen concentrations when used with a reservoir, they’re not a fixed, patient-worn oxygen delivery method for spontaneous breathing and require active ventilation.