Prepare for your NCLEX-RN® exam with a clinical question about home oxygen therapy. Learn to recognize statements from clients that indicate a need for further education regarding the safe and effective use of oxygen tanks.
The nurse at the pulmonology office is teaching a client newly prescribed home oxygen using an oxygen tank. Which client statement(s) indicate(s) a need for further teaching? Select all that apply.
A. “I will remove my oxygen when I feel like I have a cold coming on.”
B. “I will keep my oxygen tank at least two feet away from my stove.”
C. “I will put my oxygen tank behind the curtains so no one trips over it.”
D. “I will avoid using a hair dryer while using oxygen.”
E. “I will tell visitors they can’t smoke.”
F. “If my nose gets irritated, I can put essential oils on it.”
G: “I should make sure the prongs are facing up.”
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® question is…
A. “I will remove my oxygen when I feel like I have a cold coming on.”
Rationale: Clients should wear their nasal cannula or face mask at all times unless instructed otherwise.
B. “I will keep my oxygen tank at least two feet away from my stove.”
Rationale: It is important to keep oxygen at least five feet away from flames or heat sources because oxygen supports the feeding of combustion and can lead to a fire.
C. “I will put my oxygen tank behind the curtains so no one trips over it.”
Rationale: It is important to use and store oxygen in well-ventilated areas rather than behind curtains, in cabinets, closets, or other confined spaces.
F. “If my nose gets irritated, I can put essential oils on it.”
Rationale: Clients using oxygen should use water-based, rather than oil-based, products in or around their nose. Oil-based products can be flammable and irritating.
Major Takeaway
When providing education to a client receiving oxygen therapy, there are some general nursing considerations. First, the nurse should ensure the client wears their nasal cannula or face mask at all times and never take it off unless it is outlined differently in their care plan. It is also important to use and store oxygen in well-ventilated areas rather than behind curtains, in cabinets, closets, or other confined spaces. Although oxygen is not flammable itself, it supports the feeding of combustion so that it can lead to a fire. For this reason, it is important to keep oxygen at least five feet away from flames or heat sources. In-home and long-term care settings, the nurse should hang a “No Smoking” sign and make it clear to both the client and their visitors that smoking, lighting matches, or using anything flammable, like alcohol-containing sprays, where oxygen is used or stored, is extremely dangerous. Clients also should not use electric razors, hair dryers, or any heat-producing and electrical appliances that have a motor while using oxygen. Water-based products rather than oil-based lotions or ointments should be applied in or around the nose. Anything that causes static electricity should also be avoided, which is why cotton bedding is usually preferred. The nurse should also remember to check the humidity bottle to see that there is enough water and bubbles are produced. The nurse should ensure there are no kinks in the tubing and that the client is not lying on top of it. If they are using a nasal cannula, the nurse should check to make sure that it is comfortable for the client, the prongs are facing up, and there is no mucus on the prongs that could interfere with oxygen delivery. If the client has a face mask with a storage bag, the nurse should observe the bag to make sure it remains inflated, as this is how to tell if enough oxygen is flowing into the bag. Finally, regular oral care is essential to alleviate some of the dryness of the nasal and oral mucosa, while skin care is essential to protect areas where the delivery devices press against the skin.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
D. “I will avoid using a hair dryer while using oxygen.”
Rationale: Clients should not use electric razors, hair dryers, or any heat-producing and electrical appliances that have a motor while using oxygen to decrease the risk of a fire.
E. “I will tell visitors they can’t smoke.”
Rationale: To decrease the risk of fire, clients at home and in long-term care settings should hang a “No Smoking” sign. The nurse should advise clients that smoking, lighting matches, being near open flames, or using anything flammable where their oxygen is used or stored is extremely dangerous.
G: “I should make sure the prongs are facing up.”
Rationale: When using a nasal cannula, the prongs should be facing up, and there should not be any mucus on the prongs that could interfere with oxygen delivery.
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