North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

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!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the flow rate for a non-rebreather mask (NRB)?

6 to 9 L/min
10 to 12 L/min
12 to 15 L/min
16 to 20 L/min

The correct answer is: 12 to 15 L/min

A non-rebreather mask (NRB) is designed to deliver high concentrations of oxygen to a patient who is in respiratory distress or has a critical condition requiring supplemental oxygen. The correct flow rate for an NRB is between 12 to 15 liters per minute. This flow rate ensures that the reservoir bag remains inflated during inhalation, allowing the patient to receive nearly 100% oxygen with minimal dilution by ambient air. This specific flow rate is critical for maintaining a high oxygen concentration as patients with severe hypoxia need it to rapidly improve their oxygen saturation levels. If the flow rate is lower, it can result in the bag collapsing during inhalation, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery. Conversely, excessively high flow rates beyond 15 L/min may not be necessary for effective treatment and could lead to wastage of oxygen.