Which statement about a tracheostomy mask is true?

• A. Placed over a stoma or tracheostomy.
• B. Used to deliver oxygen via nasal cannula.
• C. Held in place by a strap around the forehead.
• D. Primarily used to administer intravenous medications.

Answer: (A)

Oxygen delivery through a tracheostomy focuses on supplying air directly to the tracheostomy opening. A tracheostomy mask is designed to be placed over the stoma or tracheostomy tube to deliver oxygen (often humidified) straight into the airway. This direct route is necessary because the usual nasal or oral routes aren’t used when a tracheostomy is present.

That makes the statement true: you position the mask over the stoma or tracheostomy to deliver oxygen right at the airway opening.

Delivering oxygen via a nasal cannula isn’t correct for a tracheostomy because the cannula sits in the nostrils and routes air through the upper airway, bypassing the tracheostomy. A tracheostomy mask isn’t primarily secured with a forehead strap; it’s stabilized with straps around the head or neck to maintain a seal at the tracheostomy site. And intravenous medications aren’t given through a mask—IV meds are delivered via an IV line.