When responding to a patient with shortness of breath and an SpO2 of 91%, what is the best treatment?

The best treatment for a patient with shortness of breath and an SpO2 of 91% is to use a nasal cannula at 4 LPM. This method is appropriate for patients who are experiencing mild to moderate respiratory distress and still maintain some level of independent breathing.

Administering oxygen through a nasal cannula allows for a comfortable delivery of supplemental oxygen while avoiding the potential discomfort and complications associated with more high-flow devices. It generally provides a flow rate that is sufficient to improve oxygen saturation without overwhelming the patient’s respiratory drive.

It's essential to consider that SpO2 levels at 91% indicate a need for some supplemental oxygen, yet not all patients require high concentrations. Using a nasal cannula at this flow rate also encourages patients to retain some self-breathing function, which can be beneficial in many acute situations.

High-flow options, such as the non-rebreather mask, may provide more oxygen but can be too aggressive for some patients who are not in significant distress or who can manage less invasive support effectively. Similarly, assisted ventilation might be necessary for patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own, but the scenario suggests that the patient is still able to manage their own respiratory function at some level.

Thus