In a case where a 16-year-old female is in a tripod position with an SPO2 of 79%, what is the recommended oxygen administration method?

In this scenario, the patient is demonstrating signs of respiratory distress, as indicated by her tripod position and low oxygen saturation (SPO2 of 79%). The tripod position often indicates that the patient is struggling to breathe and is attempting to optimize their airway and lung expansion.

Administering oxygen via a nonrebreather mask at 10 liters per minute is the most effective method in this case. A nonrebreather mask is designed to deliver a high concentration of oxygen to patients who are critically hypoxic. It can deliver an oxygen concentration of up to 90%-100% when used correctly, which is essential in addressing the patient's severely low SPO2 level.

The other options would not provide sufficient oxygenation for someone in this condition. A nasal cannula, even at 5 liters per minute, would not deliver enough supplemental oxygen to significantly improve her saturation. A simple mask at 15 liters per minute provides better oxygen flow than a nasal cannula but still falls short of the high concentrations necessary for a patient in severe distress. The venturi mask, while an excellent option for delivering specific concentrations of oxygen, would not be ideal in this acute situation requiring immediate and high-flow oxygen. Thus, the choice of a nonrebre