If you are using Heliox on delivery equipment specific for O₂, what must you do?

In scenarios where you are administering Heliox, which is a mixture of helium and oxygen, to delivery equipment designed specifically for oxygen, it is crucial to adjust the flow rate according to the different density of the gas mixture. Helium is significantly less dense than oxygen, which affects how the gas flows through the delivery system. When using Heliox, the displayed flow rate on the equipment does not accurately reflect the actual flow of the lighter gas mixture.

To ensure that the patient receives the correct amount of gas, the displayed flow rate must be multiplied by a factor of 1.8 or 1.6. This adjustment compensates for the lower density of helium compared to oxygen, allowing for proper therapeutic delivery. By applying this multiplier, healthcare providers can achieve the desired effective flow of Heliox, which is essential for managing conditions where this gas mixture is indicated, such as severe asthma or obstructive airway diseases.

The other options do not address the necessary flow adjustments for Heliox and could lead to improper dosing or ineffective treatment.