What device is often used to ensure a patient receives a specific amount of oxygen?

The Venturi mask is specifically designed to deliver a precise concentration of oxygen to a patient, making it a critical device in respiratory therapy. It utilizes the principle of entrainment, allowing a fixed ratio of air to oxygen to be mixed as the patient inhales. This mechanism ensures that the patient receives a consistent and controlled flow of oxygen based on their therapeutic needs, making it particularly useful for patients who require a precise oxygen saturation level, such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Other devices mentioned, while related to oxygen delivery, do not provide the same level of precision. Oxygen therapy bags, for instance, are typically used to hold oxygen and do not control the flow; they are more about storing oxygen. Flow meters assist with measuring and regulating the flow of oxygen but do not deliver it directly to the patient. Inhalers, on the other hand, are primarily used for delivering medications, often in the form of aerosols, and are not designed specifically for oxygen therapy. Each of these other options serves important roles in medical settings but lacks the specific function and control that a Venturi mask provides for oxygen delivery.