High-flow nasal cannula is not simply a comfortable oxygen device.
Its major advantage is flow.
Understanding that flow explains why HFNC can help patients who are failing standard nasal cannula or face mask oxygen.
In respiratory distress, inspiratory flow demand can be very high. If the oxygen device cannot match that demand, the patient entrains room air, and the delivered FiO2 falls.
HFNC can deliver heated, humidified gas at high flow rates.
Full post, key takeaways, references, and the rest of the Core Medical Education collection are available for WhiteBoard Medicine members.
PREOXI, preoxygenation physiology, oxygen alone versus oxygen plus pressure, shunt physiology, apneic desaturation, and RSI preparation.
Study Guide TopicOxygen delivery, HFNC, COPD, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, capnography, and blood gases.
Blog PreviewThe crashing COPD patient, oxygenation, CO2 clearance, work of breathing, dynamic hyperinflation, and ventilatory failure.
Blog PreviewDynamic hyperinflation, auto-PEEP, obstructive lung disease, hypotension after intubation, and ventilator troubleshooting.
Blog PreviewRising plateau pressure, respiratory system compliance, airway resistance, auto-PEEP, ventilator troubleshooting, and bedside mechanics.
