In patients with COPD, what is the maximum recommended oxygen flow rate via nasal cannula?

For patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the maximum recommended oxygen flow rate via nasal cannula is typically 2 liters per minute. This recommendation stems from the need to avoid potential oxygen-induced hypercapnia, which occurs when high levels of oxygen lead to a decrease in the drive to breathe for these patients, who often have a compromised respiratory function.

At lower flow rates, such as 2 L/min, patients can receive enough oxygen to correct hypoxemia while minimizing the risk of respiratory drive suppression. As higher flow rates can significantly increase the amount of oxygen delivered and decrease the respiratory stimulus, maintaining the flow at or below 2 L/min is considered safer for this population. Therefore, this flow rate strikes a balance between providing adequate oxygenation and preventing complications related to excessive oxygen therapy in COPD patients.