What oxygen delivery rate is recommended when applying restraints to a combative patient?

What oxygen delivery rate is recommended when applying restraints to a combative patient?

• A. NRB at 6 L/min
• B. NRB at 15 L/min
• C. NRB at 25 L/min
• D. No oxygen

Answer: (B)

When a combative patient is restrained, delivering high-flow oxygen helps protect against hypoxia during a tense and stressful situation. A non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min provides a high and reliable FiO2, helping keep oxygen saturation up even if breathing becomes shallow or rapid, which is common in agitation or restraint. Lower flows on a non-rebreather don’t reliably deliver the same high FiO2, while a setting of 25 L/min isn’t standard for an NRB and can be unnecessarily disruptive, and giving no oxygen ignores a key safety measure to support adequate oxygenation.

When a combative patient is restrained, delivering high-flow oxygen helps protect against hypoxia during a tense and stressful situation. A non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min provides a high and reliable FiO2, helping keep oxygen saturation up even if breathing becomes shallow or rapid, which is common in agitation or restraint. Lower flows on a non-rebreather don’t reliably deliver the same high FiO2, while a setting of 25 L/min isn’t standard for an NRB and can be unnecessarily disruptive, and giving no oxygen ignores a key safety measure to support adequate oxygenation.