Gases for inhalation are typically delivered how?

• A. Delivered through a nonrebreathing mask or nasal cannula; e.g., oxygen.
• B. Administered by oral route.
• C. They are solid particles for inhalation.
• D. They are used only for topical application.

Answer: (A)

Gases for inhalation are delivered directly to the lungs through devices that control how much gas the patient inhales. The typical methods are a nasal cannula or a nonrebreathing mask. A nasal cannula delivers oxygen through the nostrils and is comfortable for lower concentrations, while a nonrebreathing mask uses a reservoir and valves to provide higher concentrations of oxygen when a higher FiO2 is needed. The important idea is that inhaled gases must be breathed in as a gas through the airways, not taken by mouth as a solid or applied topically.