Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

In asthma management, what consideration should be made regarding oxygen supply?

1. Oxygen should be on low flow

2. Oxygen should be administered rapidly

3. Oxygen does not need to be given at all

4. Oxygen should be humidified

The correct answer is: Oxygen should be on low flow

In the context of asthma management, the consideration to administer oxygen on low flow is crucial. In patients experiencing an asthma attack, maintaining the patient's oxygen saturation within safe limits is essential, but excessive oxygen delivery can lead to complications. High flow oxygen can suppress the respiratory drive in patients with certain chronic respiratory conditions, potentially leading to further respiratory distress. By using low flow oxygen, healthcare providers can achieve adequate oxygenation while minimizing the risk of carbon dioxide retention, which can result from high flow rates. Additionally, maintaining targeted oxygen saturation levels—typically aiming for 92-95%—is key to effective asthma management without causing additional respiratory complications. The other options do not align with the best practices for oxygen administration in asthmatic patients. Rapid administration can overwhelm the patient, potentially causing discomfort or adverse effects if not carefully monitored. In certain cases, patients may not need supplementary oxygen at all, particularly if their oxygen saturation is within safe limits. Humidification of oxygen, while beneficial in specific circumstances, is generally not a standard requirement in routine asthma management unless other complicating factors are present. Therefore, oxygen should be delivered thoughtfully, adhering to low flow principles for optimal patient safety and comfort.