Advanced emergency nursing journal
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Apneic oxygenation during intubation is the application of oxygen via a nasal cannula, which is left in place throughout laryngoscopy. The flow rate of oxygen is set to at least 15 L/min and theoretically reduces the risk of oxygen desaturation and hypoxemia during the procedure. ⋯ Despite conflicting results, use of apneic oxygenation is becoming more prevalent and is being implemented into standard operating procedures in some clinical settings. Because of the low risk of adding a nasal cannula during intubation and the potential benefit of reducing the incidence of hypoxemia and severe oxygen desaturation, it would be prudent to implement apneic oxygenation when available.