Which device can deliver up to 100% oxygen at the highest flow rates during resuscitation?

Which device can deliver up to 100% oxygen at the highest flow rates during resuscitation?

• A. Pocket mask
• B. Venturi mask
• C. Bag-valve-mask with reservoir
• D. Demand valve resuscitator

Answer: (D)

Oxygen delivery during resuscitation is maximized when the device minimizes entrainment of ambient air and delivers oxygen directly on inhalation. A demand valve resuscitator uses a on-demand valve that opens during inspiration and draws oxygen straight from the source to the patient, with little or no room air mixing. Connected to a high-flow oxygen supply, this setup can deliver near 100% FiO2 at high inspiratory flows, which is why it’s the best choice for maximizing oxygen delivery in resuscitation. In contrast, a pocket mask, even with an oxygen inlet, relies on the mask seal and has limited reservoir or none, so the delivered FiO2 is lower and variable. A venturi mask provides fixed, limited FiO2 by design and cannot reach 100% O2. A bag-valve-mask with reservoir can deliver high FiO2, but practical delivery during CPR can be affected by mask seal, hand fatigue, and variable chest rise, making it less consistently capable of providing 100% O2 at the highest flows compared to a demand valve resuscitator.

Oxygen delivery during resuscitation is maximized when the device minimizes entrainment of ambient air and delivers oxygen directly on inhalation. A demand valve resuscitator uses a on-demand valve that opens during inspiration and draws oxygen straight from the source to the patient, with little or no room air mixing. Connected to a high-flow oxygen supply, this setup can deliver near 100% FiO2 at high inspiratory flows, which is why it’s the best choice for maximizing oxygen delivery in resuscitation.

In contrast, a pocket mask, even with an oxygen inlet, relies on the mask seal and has limited reservoir or none, so the delivered FiO2 is lower and variable. A venturi mask provides fixed, limited FiO2 by design and cannot reach 100% O2. A bag-valve-mask with reservoir can deliver high FiO2, but practical delivery during CPR can be affected by mask seal, hand fatigue, and variable chest rise, making it less consistently capable of providing 100% O2 at the highest flows compared to a demand valve resuscitator.