What is a key consideration when using a nasal cannula?

A nasal cannula is a device that delivers supplemental oxygen directly into a patient's nostrils. A key consideration when using this device is that patients must be able to breathe through their nose to receive effective therapy. If the patient can't breathe nasally due to obstruction, injury, or other issues, the oxygen delivery will be compromised, resulting in insufficient oxygenation.

The effectiveness of a nasal cannula relies on the ability of the patient to inhale the oxygen delivered through the nostrils. Therefore, for the therapy to work properly, unobstructed nasal passages are essential. This is a crucial aspect that healthcare providers must assess before proceeding with this type of oxygen delivery.