What is a common consequence of forcing an oxygen mask on a patient who is anxious?

When an oxygen mask is forcibly put on an anxious patient, it can significantly heighten their anxiety levels. The feeling of being constricted or unable to breathe comfortably can lead to panic, causing the patient to react negatively to the situation. This heightened anxiety can trigger a physiological response in the body, leading to increased oxygen consumption as the patient may begin to breathe more rapidly and shallowly in response to their stress.

Additionally, the struggle to breathe while feeling anxious can lead to further complications such as hyperventilation, where the patient’s respiratory rate increases even more in an attempt to get enough air, ultimately raising their oxygen demand. In scenarios such as these, instead of improving cooperation or calming the patient, the act of forcing an oxygen mask often results in the opposite effect—worsening their state of anxiety and leading to increased oxygen consumption due to the stress response.