What happens if the flow rate for a nonrebreather mask is less than 10 L/min?

A nonrebreather mask is designed to deliver high concentrations of oxygen to patients in respiratory distress. It typically requires a flow rate of at least 10 L/min to ensure that the reservoir bag remains inflated during inhalation.

When the flow rate is set below this threshold, the reservoir bag may not fill adequately, leading to partial deflation during the patient's inhalation. This insufficient flow can compromise the effectiveness of the mask, causing the patient to inhale a mix of room air along with the oxygen rather than receiving the high concentration that the mask is intended to provide. Consequently, it is vital to maintain an appropriate flow rate to ensure that the patient receives adequate oxygenation, which highlights the importance of monitoring flow settings when using a nonrebreather mask.