North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What type of mask should be used for respiratory rates over 24?

1. Nasal cannula at 6 LPM

2. Non-rebreather mask at 15 LPM

3. Bag-Valve Mask (BVM)

4. Simple face mask at 10 LPM

The correct answer is: Non-rebreather mask at 15 LPM

For patients exhibiting respiratory rates over 24 breaths per minute, a non-rebreather mask at 15 liters per minute is the most appropriate choice. This type of mask is specifically designed to deliver high concentrations of oxygen, which is crucial for patients who are potentially experiencing respiratory distress or hypoxia. The non-rebreather mask has a reservoir bag and one-way valves that prevent the backflow of exhaled air, allowing for nearly 100% oxygen delivery when set at the correct flow rate. This is important because increased respiratory rates can indicate a need for supplemental oxygen due to insufficient oxygenation or underlying medical conditions such as pneumonia, COPD exacerbations, or other respiratory illnesses. While other options provide supplemental oxygen, they do not deliver the high oxygen concentration required in this scenario. For instance, a nasal cannula at 6 liters per minute can only provide a modest increase in oxygen saturation and is insufficient for patients in more severe distress. The Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) is effective but is typically used for patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own or are apneic, making it less suitable for this specific case. Lastly, a simple face mask at 10 liters per minute also does not deliver the same high concentration