Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

What safety precaution should be taken for a patient receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula?

1. Keep the television set at least 5 feet from the oxygen tank

2. Do not permit the patient to drink soda

3. Allow no smoking in the patient's room

4. Do not use any lotions that contain oil in the patient's room

The correct answer is: Allow no smoking in the patient's room

The correct answer emphasizes the critical safety measure of preventing smoking in a patient's room while they are receiving oxygen. Oxygen supports combustion, meaning that any source of flame or heat can ignite materials in the presence of oxygen, leading to dangerous fire hazards. By prohibiting smoking, caregivers significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure a safer environment for the patient. While other options may incorporate practical considerations for patient care, they do not address the immediate and severe risks associated with oxygen therapy. For example, keeping a television at a distance from an oxygen tank isn’t typically a necessary safety concern, as electrical appliances do not inherently pose a significant risk unless they are faulty or improperly used. Likewise, while it's prudent to restrict certain activities and substances, like drinking soda or using oily lotions, these precautions are more related to comfort, health monitoring, or skin integrity rather than direct fire hazards unlike the risks that smoking presents. Thus, the importance of a smoke-free environment around patients receiving oxygen therapy cannot be overstated, firmly establishing it as a key safety precaution.