If total inspired gas flow is 3 L/min in a 2:1 N2O:O2 ratio, how many liters per minute of nitrous oxide are delivered?

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Multiple Choice

If total inspired gas flow is 3 L/min in a 2:1 N2O:O2 ratio, how many liters per minute of nitrous oxide are delivered?

Explanation:
Understanding how to convert a gas mix ratio into actual flow is key. When a mixture is given as N2O:O2 in a 2:1 ratio, nitrous oxide makes up two parts out of three total parts. So the N2O fraction is 2/3. With a total inspired gas flow of 3 L/min, the N2O delivery is 3 × 2/3 = 2 L/min. The remaining 1 L/min goes to oxygen. This approach—multiplying the total flow by the N2O portion (2/3)—is how you translate any ratio into an actual flow rate.

Understanding how to convert a gas mix ratio into actual flow is key. When a mixture is given as N2O:O2 in a 2:1 ratio, nitrous oxide makes up two parts out of three total parts. So the N2O fraction is 2/3. With a total inspired gas flow of 3 L/min, the N2O delivery is 3 × 2/3 = 2 L/min. The remaining 1 L/min goes to oxygen. This approach—multiplying the total flow by the N2O portion (2/3)—is how you translate any ratio into an actual flow rate.

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