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NCLEX · Safety and Infection Control

A nurse is caring for a client receiving oxygen therapy. Which safety measure is most important in the client's room?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

No smoking and no open flames or sources of ignition — oxygen supports combustion; remove all ignition sources, post 'Oxygen in Use' signs, and avoid flammable materials

  1. A Keep humidity high
  2. B Dim the lights
  3. C No smoking and no open flames or sources of ignition — oxygen supports combustion; remove all ignition sources, post 'Oxygen in Use' signs, and avoid flammable materials
  4. D Keep the room cool

Why this is the answer

OXYGEN SAFETY — FIRE PREVENTION: Oxygen does not burn itself but VIGOROUSLY SUPPORTS COMBUSTION — fires burn hotter and faster in an oxygen-enriched environment.

Safety measures: NO SMOKING (post 'Oxygen in Use — No Smoking' signs); no open flames, candles, matches, lighters; avoid electrical equipment that could spark; no petroleum-based products (petroleum jelly, oil) near oxygen — use water-based lubricants; avoid wool/synthetic fabrics that generate static; ensure proper grounding of electrical equipment; keep oxygen sources away from heat; SECURE oxygen cylinders (can become projectiles if the valve breaks).

Home oxygen: Educate about the same precautions; keep oxygen away from stoves, heaters, and gas appliances.

Additional: Monitor for oxygen toxicity with high concentrations over time; for COPD patients, titrate carefully (target SpO2 88-92%); LPN role: ensure a safe oxygen environment, post warnings, educate the client and visitors, remove ignition sources.

Source: NCLEX-PN Safe Care — Oxygen Safety

Practice more questions

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About this topic: Safety and Infection Control

Safety and infection control questions cover Standard and transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene, fall and injury prevention, restraints, fire safety and handling hazardous materials. This is one of 35 PN: Coordinated Care questions on safety and infection control, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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