North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Which patients should always receive high flow oxygen?

1. Cardiac patients

2. Patients with asthma only

3. COPD, infants, and children

4. All breathing patients

The correct answer is: COPD, infants, and children

High flow oxygen is particularly crucial for patients with specific respiratory conditions, such as those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), infants, and children. In the case of COPD, these patients often have compromised respiratory function and may rely on higher concentrations of oxygen to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels. However, care must be taken to monitor these patients closely, as excessive oxygen can paradoxically lead to respiratory depression due to their reliance on hypoxic drive. Infants and children are also critical populations requiring high flow oxygen because they may have limited reserves and can deteriorate rapidly if their oxygenation is not adequately managed. Young patients often present with distinct challenges, including smaller lung capacity and higher metabolic rates, necessitating prompt and effective oxygen delivery. The other categories mentioned may require careful consideration regarding oxygen administration but do not uniformly necessitate high flow oxygen in all situations, making this answer particularly valid. Thus, high flow oxygen should always be considered for these specific patient groups to optimize their respiratory support and overall treatment outcomes.