What oxygen flow rate is commonly used with a non-rebreather mask in trauma?

• A. 15 L/min
• B. 6 L/min
• C. 4 L/min
• D. 2 L/min

Answer: (A)

When you want to deliver the highest oxygen concentration with a mask, you use a non-rebreather mask and rely on a reservoir that stays filled. The key is flow that is high enough to keep that reservoir inflated during each inhalation, so the patient breathes nearly pure oxygen from the bag rather than mixing in room air. In trauma, maximizing oxygen delivery is critical, so you choose the high-flow setting to maintain a near-maximum FiO2. If the flow is too low, the bag collapses as the patient inhales, and room air gets drawn in, lowering the oxygen concentration delivered to the lungs. The other options correspond to progressively lower flows and would not reliably keep the bag inflated or provide as high an FiO2.