Simple Face Masks – Low-flow Oxygen Delivery (Nursing)

00:00 Okay, so let's look at some of these delivery methods. These are so fun. This is a simple face mask. So, how is this different than a nasal cannula? Well, first of all, it's a mask. Right? That was pretty obvious to you, but I want to point out some other things. Now the nasal cannula, right in the nose. Simple face mask is obviously going to fit over the patient's face. Now this can freak some people out. This may make them feel like they're smothering and they may fight a mask so you really going to have to work with your patients to find the most appropriate oxygen delivery method because this will fit over the nose and the mouth but look at that exhalation ports we've got noted for you on the drawing. So see those, those little holes on the side of the mask? Those are exhalation ports. So, oxygen is being delivered to the mask through that tubing that you see there and then when the patient breathes out, it's going to shoot out the sides. Because remember the mask is on the face like this so I need those holes on the sides so (whoooohh) that's where the air I breathe out will go in. So I'm breathing in, the air from the tube and then breathing out the holes in the side of the mask. Now you'll notice there is no covering on those holes. If you see covering on holes, that's considered a valve. We'll talk about that in a minute. So, now we can set this between 5 and 10 liters per per minute. Pause for just a minute, go back and keep track. What can we set the liters at for a nasal cannula? Good, 1-6. So the mask is 5-10, it's about 35%-55% FiO₂. Now these are helpful when a patient needs higher oxygen and they're not cooperative with a nasal cannula. Now it doesn't mean they're trying to make your life miserable but if the patient's a little out of it, they may be irritated by that, nobody likes things in their nose. So sometimes a mask is just going to be a better option. Just be aware and sensitive to the fact that it's really uncomfortable for some patients and they may also fight you on a simple face mask. But if I'm looking at 2 patients someone needs a higher level of oxygen, the mask can deliver a higher percentage of oxygen than the nasal cannula.