What device can deliver supplemental oxygen during a rescue?

What device can deliver supplemental oxygen during a rescue?

• A. CPAP machine
• B. Bag-valve-mask (BVM)
• C. Non-rebreather mask
• D. Oxygen concentrator

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is the bag-valve-mask (BVM) because it is specifically designed to provide positive pressure ventilation and can deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient who is not breathing or is breathing inadequately. The BVM consists of a self-expanding bag, a unidirectional valve, and a face mask, allowing a caregiver to manually ventilate a patient by squeezing the bag, forcing air (or enriched oxygen if connected to an oxygen supply) into the lungs. While both CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators can supply oxygen, they are primarily used in specific clinical settings rather than being standard equipment for rescue situations. CPAP is typically utilized for patients with sleep apnea or certain types of respiratory distress but may not be suitable for unconscious victims. An oxygen concentrator is a stationary device used to provide long-term oxygen therapy, making it less practical for on-the-spot rescue scenarios. A non-rebreather mask is also effective for delivering high concentrations of oxygen, but it requires the patient to be conscious and able to breathe on their own, which may not be the case in many rescue situations. Therefore, the BVM stands out as the optimal choice to deliver supplemental oxygen during a rescue.

The correct answer is the bag-valve-mask (BVM) because it is specifically designed to provide positive pressure ventilation and can deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient who is not breathing or is breathing inadequately. The BVM consists of a self-expanding bag, a unidirectional valve, and a face mask, allowing a caregiver to manually ventilate a patient by squeezing the bag, forcing air (or enriched oxygen if connected to an oxygen supply) into the lungs.

While both CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators can supply oxygen, they are primarily used in specific clinical settings rather than being standard equipment for rescue situations. CPAP is typically utilized for patients with sleep apnea or certain types of respiratory distress but may not be suitable for unconscious victims. An oxygen concentrator is a stationary device used to provide long-term oxygen therapy, making it less practical for on-the-spot rescue scenarios. A non-rebreather mask is also effective for delivering high concentrations of oxygen, but it requires the patient to be conscious and able to breathe on their own, which may not be the case in many rescue situations. Therefore, the BVM stands out as the optimal choice to deliver supplemental oxygen during a rescue.