The non-rebreather mask is used primarily for which type of oxygen delivery?

The non-rebreather mask is designed to deliver a high concentration of oxygen to patients who are in respiratory distress or require significant oxygen support. It has a reservoir bag that allows the patient to receive oxygen directly, while also preventing ambient air from mixing with the oxygen being delivered. This configuration allows for a minimal amount of exhaled air mixing with the oxygen, thus enabling the patient to receive a higher percentage of oxygen, typically around 90% to 100% without compromising the overall flow.

In emergencies, patients may demonstrate conditions such as severe asthma, pneumonia, or other forms of hypoxia, where maximizing oxygen delivery is critical. The design of the non-rebreather mask supports this high-flow delivery method, making it especially suitable in acute scenarios.

Low flow systems, in contrast, do not provide a concentrated amount of oxygen and allow room air to mix with oxygen, leading to insufficient support for critically ill patients. Similarly, medium flow systems provide an intermediate level of oxygen, but still lack the capability of delivering the high oxygen concentrations required in severe emergencies. Supplemental flow terminologically refers to providing additional oxygen in conjunction with a primary delivery method, but does not involve a high concentration delivery by itself. Hence, the non-rebreather mask is