What oxygen flow rate is recommended during airway management?

• A. 15 L/min
• B. 5 L/min
• C. 30 L/min
• D. 1 L/min

Answer: (A)

During airway management you want to deliver oxygen at a rate that keeps the delivery system fully charged and provides a high concentration of oxygen with each breath. Using about 15 L/min ensures the reservoir stays inflated and the patient receives near-maximum oxygen content when you ventilate, which helps prevent desaturation during airway maneuvers. Lower flows, like 5 L/min or 1 L/min, wouldn’t fill the reservoir adequately and would reduce the FiO2 delivered. A much higher flow, such as 30 L/min, isn’t typically needed or practical with standard airway devices and can create unnecessary pressure or inefficiency. So, 15 L/min is the appropriate, effective choice for airway management.