A home care nurse is making a follow-up visit with a client who has COPD and is using a compressed oxygen system in his home. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Place the oxygen tank away from curtains or drapes: Oxygen supports combustion, so tanks must be kept away from flammable materials such as curtains or drapes. This placement reduces fire risk and ensures safe home oxygen use. B. Store the oxygen tank wrench in a locked cabinet: The tank wrench should remain attached to or easily accessible near the tank for emergency shut-off. Locking it away could delay quick responses during equipment malfunction or fire hazards. C. Ensure that the client checks the gauge weekly: Oxygen tank levels should be checked daily to prevent running out unexpectedly. Waiting a week between checks increases the risk of the tank depleting before a refill is arranged. D. Have the client store smaller tanks under his bed: Storing tanks under the bed poses a fire hazard due to limited ventilation and proximity to bedding. Oxygen tanks should be stored upright in a secure, well-ventilated area away from heat sources.