Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Why does working with oxygen require special safety precautions?

1. Oxygen equipment is very difficult to obtain

2. Oxygen is a dangerous fire hazard

3. Oxygen levels must be adjusted often

4. Oxygen equipment is very fragile

The correct answer is: Oxygen is a dangerous fire hazard

Working with oxygen requires special safety precautions primarily because oxygen is a dangerous fire hazard. Oxygen supports combustion and can significantly increase the flammability of materials, making even small sparks potentially catastrophic. When oxygen is present, substances that may not normally ignite can catch fire more easily. This heightened risk necessitates strict adherence to safety protocols, such as keeping oxygen tanks away from open flames, using non-flammable materials for handling and storage, and ensuring proper ventilation in areas where oxygen is used. While the other options refer to aspects related to oxygen and its use, they do not accurately capture the critical nature of the fire hazard that oxygen presents in various settings. For example, while oxygen equipment might sometimes be difficult to obtain or could be fragile, these factors do not warrant the same level of immediate safety concern as the risk of fire. Additionally, oxygen levels do not necessarily need to be adjusted frequently in many situations, depending on the specific requirements of the individual receiving oxygen therapy. Therefore, understanding oxygen as a fire hazard is essential for ensuring safety when working with this vital resource.