A reservoir mask with OPEN exhalation ports is classified as which type?

A reservoir mask with OPEN exhalation ports is classified as which type?

• A. Non-rebreather
• B. Partial rebreather
• C. Simple mask
• D. Nasal cannula

Answer: (B)

The key idea is whether exhaled breath can mix back into the oxygen reservoir for the next inhalation. A reservoir mask with open exhalation ports allows some of the exhaled gas to be drawn back into the reservoir and rebreathed on the next breath, which is the defining feature of a partial rebreather. The open vents simply vent what’s being exhaled to the atmosphere, but without a one-way valve preventing backflow, the bag can still contain a mix of fresh oxygen and exhaled gas. That’s why this setup is classified as a partial rebreather. It’s not a non-rebreather, because a non-rebreather uses valves to prevent any exhaled gas from entering the reservoir, delivering oxygen with little to no rebreathing. It’s not a simple mask or a nasal cannula, since those lack a reservoir for storing oxygen for the next breath.

The key idea is whether exhaled breath can mix back into the oxygen reservoir for the next inhalation. A reservoir mask with open exhalation ports allows some of the exhaled gas to be drawn back into the reservoir and rebreathed on the next breath, which is the defining feature of a partial rebreather. The open vents simply vent what’s being exhaled to the atmosphere, but without a one-way valve preventing backflow, the bag can still contain a mix of fresh oxygen and exhaled gas. That’s why this setup is classified as a partial rebreather.

It’s not a non-rebreather, because a non-rebreather uses valves to prevent any exhaled gas from entering the reservoir, delivering oxygen with little to no rebreathing. It’s not a simple mask or a nasal cannula, since those lack a reservoir for storing oxygen for the next breath.