A device used to improve ventilatory efficiency in spontaneously breathing patients in respiratory distress. Indications include conscious patients in moderate to severe respiratory distress, tachypnea, and pulse ox below 90%. Which device is this?

• A. Nasal Cannula
• B. Bag Valve Mask
• C. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
• D. Nonrebreather Mask

Answer: (C)

Continuous positive airway pressure provides a steady positive pressure during spontaneous breaths, which helps keep airways and alveoli open between breaths. By increasing end-expiratory pressure, CPAP raises functional residual capacity, reduces the work of breathing, and improves oxygen exchange in hypoxemic patients. In conscious individuals in moderate to severe respiratory distress with tachypnea and oxygen saturation under 90%, this recruitable airway pressure can quickly raise oxygen levels and ease breathing without needing invasive ventilation. A nasal cannula only delivers supplemental oxygen without providing the positive pressure that helps with ventilation. A nonrebreather mask can deliver high oxygen concentrations but does not create positive airway pressure. A bag valve mask offers manual ventilation and is used when a patient isn’t breathing adequately, not as the default support for a spontaneously breathing patient in distress.