When applying a nasal cannula, where should the tubing be placed?

When applying a nasal cannula, where should the tubing be placed?

• A. Under the chin only
• B. Around the ears and under the chin following the nasal contour
• C. Across the forehead
• D. Inside the mouth

Answer: (B)

Proper nasal cannula tubing should go around the ears and under the chin, following the natural contour of the nose. This position keeps the prongs at the openings of the nose for effective oxygen delivery while securing the tubing so it doesn’t slip or move with talking or coughing. Placing tubing under the chin only wouldn’t secure the cannula to the nasal openings and could shift easily, reducing delivery and causing irritation. Running tubing across the forehead can create pressure points and is more likely to be displaced. Putting the tubing inside the mouth is unsafe—oxygen won’t reach the lungs properly and it could cause choking or aspiration. So the around-the-ears, under-the-chin placement is the correct, stable setup.

Proper nasal cannula tubing should go around the ears and under the chin, following the natural contour of the nose. This position keeps the prongs at the openings of the nose for effective oxygen delivery while securing the tubing so it doesn’t slip or move with talking or coughing. Placing tubing under the chin only wouldn’t secure the cannula to the nasal openings and could shift easily, reducing delivery and causing irritation. Running tubing across the forehead can create pressure points and is more likely to be displaced. Putting the tubing inside the mouth is unsafe—oxygen won’t reach the lungs properly and it could cause choking or aspiration. So the around-the-ears, under-the-chin placement is the correct, stable setup.