A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client's family about home oxygen use via nasal cannula. Which of the following statements by a family member indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Home oxygen therapy delivered via nasal cannula is commonly used to manage clients with chronic or acute respiratory conditions. Proper safety and skin care are essential because prolonged oxygen use can cause skin breakdown, dryness of mucous membranes, and fire hazards if improperly handled. Patient and family education focuses on safe administration, correct flow rates, and prevention of complications. Understanding pressure areas and device-related skin injury is an important aspect of safe oxygen therapy. Rationale: A. “We will need to remove the nasal cannula when he is eating.” This is incorrect because oxygen therapy should generally be continued during meals unless otherwise prescribed. Removing oxygen may lead to hypoxia, especially in clients who are oxygen-dependent. The nasal cannula can remain in place during eating to maintain adequate oxygenation. B. “We can use petroleum jelly to keep his nares moist.” This is unsafe because petroleum-based products are flammable and can increase the risk of fire in oxygen-enriched environments. Water-soluble lubricants should be used instead to prevent dryness without increasing combustion risk. Oxygen safety education specifically discourages oil-based products near oxygen delivery systems. C. “We will frequently check the top of his ears for sores.” This demonstrates correct understanding because the nasal cannula tubing can cause pressure-related skin breakdown where it rests over the ears. Regular inspection helps identify early signs of irritation or ulceration, allowing for timely intervention such as padding or repositioning. This is an important part of preventing device-related skin injury in home oxygen therapy. D. “We can turn the oxygen up to 10 when he has trouble breathing.” This is incorrect because oxygen flow rates must not be adjusted without a healthcare provider’s order. Excessive oxygen delivery can lead to oxygen toxicity or suppress respiratory drive in certain patients, especially those with chronic CO₂ retention. Clients should be taught to maintain prescribed settings and seek medical help if respiratory distress occurs.