For a home care patient who is ventilator dependent for more than 50% of the time, what is essential to have in case of a power failure?

• A. Bag-valve resuscitator
• B. Compressed oxygen
• C. Back-up ventilator
• D. Non-rebreathing mask with an E-cylinder

Answer: (A)

In the scenario of a home care patient who is dependent on a ventilator for over 50% of the time, having a bag-valve resuscitator is crucial during a power failure. This device allows caregivers to manually ventilate the patient in the event that the electric-powered ventilator becomes inoperable due to loss of power. The bag-valve resuscitator provides a means to maintain oxygen delivery and assist with ventilation, ensuring the patient can receive the necessary breaths until alternative arrangements can be made or power is restored.

While the other options may have their uses in various emergency contexts, none provide the immediate capability for manual ventilation. A compressed oxygen supply alone does not facilitate the act of providing breaths. A back-up ventilator would also require power or might not be readily available for immediate use. Similarly, a non-rebreathing mask with an E-cylinder could provide oxygen but does not allow for proper ventilation, making the bag-valve resuscitator the most effective choice in this scenario.