If the reservoir bag on a non-rebreather mask is collapsing with each breath, what should the therapist do?

In the scenario where the reservoir bag of a non-rebreather mask is collapsing with each breath, it indicates that the patient is not receiving adequate oxygen. This could be due to insufficient oxygen flow to the bag, which is crucial for maintaining a sufficient oxygen reserve and ensuring the patient receives a high concentration of supplemental oxygen.

Increasing the oxygen flow to the bag helps to fill the reservoir adequately, ensuring that there is always a supply of oxygen available for the patient during inhalation. A properly functioning non-rebreather mask should have a bag that remains inflated so that the patient can inhale a high concentration of oxygen without significant mixing with room air.

The other options might not address the immediate issue of the collapsing bag. Inspecting the valve could be useful but may not solve the problem directly or promptly. Switching to a partial rebreather mask would reduce the amount of pure oxygen delivered, which is not advisable in a situation where high-flow oxygen is needed. Administering lorazepam does not address the oxygen delivery and could further complicate the patient’s respiratory status if they have any underlying respiratory issues.