Which statement about oxyhood delivery of oxygen in neonates is true?

• A. It delivers 21-100% O2 with a heated nebulizer connected to an oxygen blender
• B. O2 concentration does not require continuous monitoring near the infant
• C. A minimum flow of 2 L/min is sufficient to prevent CO2 retention
• D. Temperature monitoring is optional with an oxyhood

Answer: (A)

Oxyhoods deliver warmed, humidified oxygen to neonates and can provide a wide range of oxygen concentrations, from room air up to 100% FiO2, by blending oxygen with ambient air and then heating/humidifying the gas before it reaches the hood. This setup allows precise control of the inspired oxygen concentration to meet the infant’s needs. In practice, the system uses a blender and a heated humidifier to ensure the gas is both the right composition and comfortable to breathe; the idea conveyed by the statement is that FiO2 can be varied across a broad range with heated gas delivered to the infant.

Continuous monitoring of oxygen concentration near the infant is essential, and a pulse oximeter is typically used to track saturation. The notion that monitoring is not required is therefore incorrect. CO2 retention within the hood is avoided by providing adequate flow; a minimum flow of only 2 L/min is not sufficient, so that option is not correct. Temperature monitoring is not optional; keeping the gas at an appropriate temperature is important to prevent hypothermia or overheating, so that statement is also not correct.