Adult Sepsis: What is the recommended oxygen delivery for stroke management?

• A. O2 at 2 L via nasal cannula
• B. O2 at 15 L via non-rebreather
• C. O2 at 100% via mask
• D. No oxygen unless hypoxic

Answer: (A)

In stroke care, the goal is to keep the brain well-oxygenated without overshooting to avoid potential harm from high oxygen levels. The safest, most adjustable starting approach is a low-flow oxygen delivery, such as 2 L/min via a nasal cannula. This modest flow can raise or maintain SpO2 into the target range (roughly in the mid-90s to around 99%, depending on local guidelines) without risking hyperoxia. If a patient’s saturation is already adequate, you would not add more oxygen. Delivering high concentrations, like 15 L/min with a non-rebreather or 100% oxygen, can cause unnecessary hyperoxia and may have adverse cerebral effects.