What is the recommended oxygen delivery rate in the emergency protocol?

• A. 6-8 L/min
• B. 2-4 L/min
• C. 0 L/min
• D. 10-12 L/min

Answer: (B)

In an emergency protocol, start with a modest oxygen flow through a nasal cannula to treat low oxygen levels without overdoing it. The recommended rate is 2–4 L/min because this provides enough supplemental oxygen for many patients with mild hypoxemia while keeping the patient comfortable and able to speak, and it allows for easy adjustment to reach a safe target oxygen saturation. Higher flows (6–8 L/min with a mask or 10–12 L/min with a non-rebreather) are used if oxygenation remains inadequate or there’s significant distress. Delivering 0 L/min would not treat hypoxemia.