NRB

Medical abbreviation · Respiratory

NRB
Stands forNonrebreather mask
CategoriesMedical

NRB stands for Nonrebreather mask, a respiratory abbreviation.

Face mask with an attached reservoir bag and one-way valves that delivers a high concentration of oxygen, typically at 10 to 15 liters per minute. It is used in emergencies for severely hypoxic patients who are breathing on their own.

Example: Placed on 15 L NRB in the field for SpO2 82%; improved to 94%.

Usage notes

The reservoir bag must stay inflated, and the valves prevent exhaled air from being rebreathed. Delivered oxygen is often quoted as 60 to 90 percent but is usually lower in practice because of leaks around the mask. It is a short-term bridge to high-flow oxygen, noninvasive ventilation or intubation.

More respiratory abbreviations

  • LUL – Left upper lobe
  • MART – Maintenance and reliever therapy
  • MV – Mechanical ventilation
  • NC – Nasal cannula
  • NIPPV – Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
  • NIV – Noninvasive ventilation
  • NSIP – Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
  • OHS – Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
  • OSA – Obstructive sleep apnea
  • P/F – PaO2/FiO2 ratio
  • PAH – Pulmonary arterial hypertension
  • PAP – Positive airway pressure

See all 109 respiratory abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.