Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What type of oxygen treatment is recommended for patients with emphysema?

1. Simple face mask

2. Nasal cannula or venturi mask

3. Non-rebreather mask

4. High-flow oxygen therapy

The correct answer is: Nasal cannula or venturi mask

In patients with emphysema, oxygen treatment should be administered with the goal of maintaining adequate oxygenation while avoiding hypercapnia, which is an elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Using a nasal cannula or a venturi mask provides a controlled delivery of oxygen, allowing for precise adjustments in oxygen concentration. The venturi mask, in particular, allows healthcare providers to select specific oxygen percentages, making it a valuable tool for managing patients who rely on hypoxic drive for respiration. This method is beneficial because patients with emphysema often have a compromised ability to expel carbon dioxide, and too much supplemental oxygen can suppress their respiratory drive. Therefore, maintaining a balance with a low to moderate flow of oxygen is crucial, which the nasal cannula and venturi mask facilitate effectively. On the other hand, options like a simple face mask or a non-rebreather mask offer less control over the oxygen percentage and can deliver higher concentrations of oxygen, which could be detrimental to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema. High-flow oxygen therapy can also pose risks for similar reasons, as it may lead to respiratory depression in these patients.