A Physician Orders 2 L/min O₂ Through a Simple Mask

question 46

Multiple Choice

A physician orders 2 L/min O₂ through a simple mask to a 33-year-old postoperative woman with moderate hypoxemia breathing room air (PaO₂ = 52 mm Hg) . What would be the correct action at this time?

• A) Carry out the physician's prescription exactly as written.
• B) Recommend that the mask be changed to a cannula at 2 L/min.
• C) Recommend a flow of at least 5 L/min to washout carbon dioxide (CO₂).
• D) Do not apply the O₂ until the medical director has been contacted.

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