What is a nasal cannula used for?

• A. To humidify room air
• B. To measure nasal airflow
• C. To deliver air to the lungs directly
• D. To provide concentrated oxygen through a resident's nose

Answer: (D)

A nasal cannula is an oxygen-delivery device that sits in the nostrils with two small prongs and pipes oxygen from a source to the patient. Its main purpose is to provide supplemental oxygen through the nasal passages, delivering oxygen-enriched gas to the lungs as the person breathes. It’s typically used for low-to-moderate oxygen needs and can be used with a humidifier to keep the gas moist for comfort. It isn’t used to humidify room air by itself, it doesn’t measure nasal airflow, and while the oxygen eventually reaches the lungs, the device’s job is simply to deliver oxygen through the nose, not to push air directly into the lungs.