When placing a nasal cannula, prongs should follow the contour of which area?

When placing a nasal cannula, prongs should follow the contour of which area?

• A. Over the nose
• B. Around the ears and under the chin
• C. Behind the head
• D. Under the tongue

Answer: (B)

Nasal cannula tubing is secured by following the natural contours around the ears and under the chin. The prongs sit in the nostrils, but the tubing is routed over the ears and under the chin so the device stays in place with gentle tension and won’t tug on the nose. This path uses the face’s curves to keep the cannula stable during movement, reduces the risk of dislodgement, and prevents pressure on the nostrils. Ensure the prongs point slightly downward and forward into the nostrils, and the tubing lies comfortably behind the ears and under the chin without kinks or tight spots.

Nasal cannula tubing is secured by following the natural contours around the ears and under the chin. The prongs sit in the nostrils, but the tubing is routed over the ears and under the chin so the device stays in place with gentle tension and won’t tug on the nose. This path uses the face’s curves to keep the cannula stable during movement, reduces the risk of dislodgement, and prevents pressure on the nostrils. Ensure the prongs point slightly downward and forward into the nostrils, and the tubing lies comfortably behind the ears and under the chin without kinks or tight spots.