What is the standard flow rate when administering supplemental oxygen?

The standard flow rate for administering supplemental oxygen is generally recognized to be around 2 to 6 liters per minute when using a nasal cannula, which typically provides a range of oxygen delivery to the patient. The goal is to achieve adequate oxygen saturation while minimizing the risk of oxygen toxicity or complications. At 3 liters per minute, patients usually receive approximately 30-35% oxygen concentration, which is often sufficient for many clinical scenarios.

It's important to note that while the choices present various liter flow rates, the specific context or protocol of your training may guide the preferred flow rate based on the patient's condition, the delivery device in use, and specific guidelines established by the practice or institution. For example, flow rates above 6 liters per minute are typically used with different devices such as non-rebreather masks for more severe respiratory distress or hypoxemia. Hence, 3 liters per minute serves as a balanced approach for low-flow supplemental oxygen.