North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What description is indicative of a Venturi mask?

1. Delivers varying percentages of oxygen based on the setting

2. Only used in emergencies with BVM

3. Provides 100% oxygen consistently

4. Designed for patients who can breathe on their own

The correct answer is: Delivers varying percentages of oxygen based on the setting

A Venturi mask is designed to deliver varying percentages of oxygen to the patient, which is a key feature that sets it apart from other oxygen delivery devices. This mask utilizes a precise mechanism where air is entrained, allowing for a mix of room air and oxygen to be delivered in specific ratios. This variability in oxygen concentration makes the Venturi mask especially useful for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other conditions where it's critical to control the amount of oxygen they receive. In contrast, other options either oversimplify the function of the mask or describe uses that are not characteristic of a Venturi mask. For instance, while a Venturi mask can be used in emergencies, it is not limited to that context, nor is it specifically designed to work solely with a bag valve mask (BVM). Additionally, the Venturi mask does not provide 100% oxygen, as its purpose is to ensure a controlled and variable oxygen delivery. Finally, although many patients who use a Venturi mask can breathe independently, this feature alone isn't descriptive of its design or functionality, which emphasizes controlled oxygen delivery rather than just being intended for self-breathing patients. Thus, the ability of the Venturi mask to adapt the oxygen delivered