Which statement best describes the nonrebreather mask's suitability for different breathing statuses?

• A. It can be used on apneic patients to provide ventilation directly
• B. It requires adequate breathing to pull oxygen into the lungs
• C. It is used with a suction device to clear secretions
• D. It delivers oxygen only when the patient does not breathe

Answer: (B)

Nonrebreather masks are used to deliver a high concentration of oxygen to patients who are breathing on their own. The mask has a reservoir and valves that rely on the patient’s own inspiratory effort to draw oxygen from the reservoir into the lungs. If the patient isn’t breathing, there’s no effort to pull the oxygen in, so the mask won’t ventilate or provide breaths. In that situation, you’d use a bag–valve–mask to actively ventilate. This device isn’t about suction or clearing secretions, and it doesn’t deliver oxygen only when the patient doesn’t breathe. It’s best described by the fact that it requires adequate breathing to pull oxygen into the lungs.