To which patients can a non-rebreather mask (with oxygen reservoir) be administered?

A non-rebreather mask is primarily designed for patients who are breathing but require high-flow oxygen, typically those experiencing conditions such as severe respiratory distress or hypoxia. This type of mask allows for a high concentration of oxygen to be delivered while minimizing the patient's exhaled air that can re-enter the mask.

Breathing patients can be effectively treated with a non-rebreather mask as it saturates their blood with oxygen quickly, which is crucial in emergencies where their oxygen supply is compromised. The mask has a reservoir bag that fills with pure oxygen, and as the patient inhales, they receive a high concentration of oxygen.

While it’s essential that the patient is breathing to use this mask effectively, it cannot be administered to non-breathing patients because they would not be able to inhale the oxygen from the mask. Non-rebreather masks are ineffective when used on patients who lack an effective respiratory drive or those who are not breathing, as these individuals require immediate intervention such as ventilation or CPR, rather than supplemental oxygen alone.

The point regarding pulse is also significant; while a non-rebreather mask can be used on patients who have a pulse, it primarily depends on their ability to breathe adequately. In summary, the correct administration