<P> A nasal cannula is generally used wherever small amounts of supplemental oxygen are required , without rigid control of respiration , such as in oxygen therapy . Most cannulae can only provide oxygen at low flow rates -- up to 5 litres per minute ( L / min ) -- delivering an oxygen concentration of 28 -- 44 % . Rates above 5 L / min can result in discomfort to the patient , drying of the nasal passages , and possibly nose bleeds ( epistaxis ) . Also with flow rates above 6 L / min , the laminar flow becomes turbulent and the oxygen therapy being delivered is only as effective as delivering 5 - 6 L / min . </P>
<P> A nasal cannula is generally used wherever small amounts of supplemental oxygen are required , without rigid control of respiration , such as in oxygen therapy . Most cannulae can only provide oxygen at low flow rates -- up to 5 litres per minute ( L / min ) -- delivering an oxygen concentration of 28 -- 44 % . Rates above 5 L / min can result in discomfort to the patient , drying of the nasal passages , and possibly nose bleeds ( epistaxis ) . Also with flow rates above 6 L / min , the laminar flow becomes turbulent and the oxygen therapy being delivered is only as effective as delivering 5 - 6 L / min . </P>
the oxygen flow rate for a nasal cannula should not exceed
the oxygen flow rate for a nasal cannula should not exceed
5 litres per minute ( L / min )
5 litres per minute ( L / min )