North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

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Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

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How much oxygen is typically delivered by a bag-valve mask (BVM)?

8 L/min
10 L/min
15 L/min
20 L/min

The correct answer is: 15 L/min

When using a bag-valve mask (BVM) to deliver oxygen to a patient, it is standard practice to set the flow rate to a level that ensures adequate oxygen concentrations. Typically, a flow rate of 15 liters per minute is used during BVM ventilation. This flow rate allows for a high concentration of oxygen to effectively fill the bag while minimizing the chance of inadequate ventilation due to insufficient oxygen supply. Using a flow rate of 15 L/min helps to ensure that the reservoir bag remains adequately inflated, which is essential for providing high-flow oxygen directly to the patient. This is particularly important for patients in respiratory distress or those who are unable to adequately breathe on their own. Delivering oxygen at this rate is critical for improving hypoxia and maintaining adequate oxygenation during emergency situations. In contrast, lower flow rates may not provide sufficient oxygen saturation, while higher rates could lead to excessive pressure and potential harm to the patient's lungs. Hence, the choice of 15 L/min is rooted in the need for effective and safe ventilation.