What is an important safety precaution when a patient is receiving oxygen therapy?

• A. Post a 'No Smoking' sign
• B. Increase room temperature
• C. Open flames in the room
• D. Leave oxygen on unattended

Answer: (A)

Oxygen therapy creates an environment where fires can ignite more easily because oxygen supports combustion. The best safety step is to post a "No Smoking" sign to clearly remind everyone in the room that smoking is not allowed around the patient. This simple cue helps prevent ignition sources near the oxygen setup and protects everyone.

Raising the room temperature isn’t a targeted safety measure for oxygen use and can be unnecessary or uncomfortable for the patient. Open flames in the room pose an obvious fire hazard, directly introducing ignition sources. Leaving oxygen on unattended is dangerous because it leaves the patient at risk of a fire starting or escalating without supervision.