👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-08-23🏷️ Physiological Adaptation🔖 Free to read, print, and share
Also known as: oxygen mask · nasal cannula · O2 therapy · supplemental oxygen
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Oxygen Delivery Devices on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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📒 The 1-minute cheat sheet
📌 Types
Nasal cannula: 1-6 L/min, 24-44%
Simple mask: 5-10 L, 40-60%
Non-rebreather: 10-15 L, up to 95%
Venturi: most precise FiO2 (COPD)
✅ Do
Humidify if > 4 L/min
Keep reservoir bag inflated (NRB)
🚩 Report
COPD: low-flow O2, watch ↓ resp drive
SpO2 < 90% → escalate device
📌 Avoid
No open flame/smoking near O2
📚 Oxygen Delivery Devices — full study notes
The cheat sheet above is your quick recall card. These notes go deeper — what it is, what to do first, what must be reported, and what to teach.
Oxygen delivery devices supply supplemental oxygen at varying concentrations to treat hypoxemia, ranging from low-flow (nasal cannula, simple/partial/non-rebreather masks) to high-flow and Venturi systems that deliver precise concentrations. Device choice matches the client's oxygen need while maintaining airway safety. Key principle: use the lowest effective FiO2, and oxygen supports combustion so keep it away from flames.
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Key points
Understand these first
Nasal cannula delivers about 24 to 44% FiO2 at 1 to 6 L/min; humidify above 4 L/min to prevent drying.
Simple mask delivers about 40 to 60% at 5 to 10 L/min; keep flow at 5 L/min or higher to flush CO2.
Non-rebreather mask delivers the highest FiO2 (60 to 100%) for emergencies; keep the reservoir bag inflated and never let it collapse fully.
Venturi mask delivers the most precise, fixed FiO2 (24 to 50%), making it ideal for COPD clients.
In COPD clients who retain CO2, high oxygen can blunt the hypoxic drive; titrate carefully to target SpO2 (often 88 to 92%).
Oxygen is a fire hazard: no smoking, open flames, or electric razors near it, and post 'oxygen in use' signs.
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Nursing priorities
What to do, in order
Assess respiratory status, work of breathing, and SpO2 to guide device and flow selection.
Apply the correct device and verify flow rate, mask fit, and an inflated reservoir bag (non-rebreather).
Titrate to the prescribed SpO2 target and use the lowest effective concentration.
Provide humidification and skin/mucous-membrane care (ears, nose, lips) to prevent breakdown.
Enforce fire-safety precautions around the oxygen source.
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Red flags — report now
Escalate immediately
A collapsing or fully deflated non-rebreather reservoir bag means the client is not getting enough oxygen; correct immediately.
Rising drowsiness, confusion, or worsening hypercapnia in a COPD client on high-flow oxygen requires reassessment and provider notification.
Falling SpO2 despite oxygen, cyanosis, or increasing distress requires escalation of support and rapid response.
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Labs & values
Numbers to know
Pulse oximetry SpO2 95 to 100% (88 to 92% target may be acceptable in COPD)
ABGs: PaO2 80 to 100 mmHg, PaCO2 35 to 45 mmHg
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Patient teaching
What patients must know
Never smoke or allow open flames near oxygen and keep it away from heat sources.
Do not change the flow rate yourself; report shortness of breath or skin irritation.
Use water-based lubricant on dry lips/nose, not petroleum-based products, near oxygen.
❓ Oxygen Delivery Devices: NCLEX FAQs
What are the priority nursing interventions for Oxygen Delivery Devices?
Assess respiratory status, work of breathing, and SpO2 to guide device and flow selection. Apply the correct device and verify flow rate, mask fit, and an inflated reservoir bag (non-rebreather). Titrate to the prescribed SpO2 target and use the lowest effective concentration. Provide humidification and skin/mucous-membrane care (ears, nose, lips) to prevent breakdown.
What are the warning signs of Oxygen Delivery Devices a nurse must report?
A collapsing or fully deflated non-rebreather reservoir bag means the client is not getting enough oxygen; correct immediately. Rising drowsiness, confusion, or worsening hypercapnia in a COPD client on high-flow oxygen requires reassessment and provider notification. Falling SpO2 despite oxygen, cyanosis, or increasing distress requires escalation of support and rapid response.
What do I need to know about Oxygen Delivery Devices for the NCLEX?
Nasal cannula delivers about 24 to 44% FiO2 at 1 to 6 L/min; humidify above 4 L/min to prevent drying. Simple mask delivers about 40 to 60% at 5 to 10 L/min; keep flow at 5 L/min or higher to flush CO2. Non-rebreather mask delivers the highest FiO2 (60 to 100%) for emergencies; keep the reservoir bag inflated and never let it collapse fully. Venturi mask delivers the most precise, fixed FiO2 (24 to 50%), making it ideal for COPD clients.
What patient teaching is important for Oxygen Delivery Devices?
Never smoke or allow open flames near oxygen and keep it away from heat sources. Do not change the flow rate yourself; report shortness of breath or skin irritation. Use water-based lubricant on dry lips/nose, not petroleum-based products, near oxygen.
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Quick Tip
Nasal cannula delivers about 24 to 44% FiO2 at 1 to 6 L/min; humidify above 4 L/min to prevent drying.