A tracheostomy mask is designed to be placed over what?

• A. Mask used for oral surgery.
• B. Mask that fits over the nose and mouth.
• C. Mask designed to be placed over a stoma.
• D. Mask used after facial trauma.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that oxygen delivery for someone with a tracheostomy is aimed directly into the airway through the stoma. A tracheostomy mask is designed to fit over the tracheostomy opening on the neck, creating a seal around the stoma so oxygen goes straight into the trachea. Placing a standard mask over the nose and mouth wouldn’t seal or deliver effectively to someone breathing through a tracheostomy, and masks used for facial protection or post-facial injuries aren’t intended to direct oxygen through a stoma. So, the correct choice is a mask designed to be placed over a stoma.