What essential teaching point should a nurse provide to a client using oxygen at home?

• A. Keep a 'No Smoking' sign near oxygen equipment and avoid open flames.
• B. Place the oxygen concentrator near a heater to keep it warm.
• C. Use petroleum jelly around the tubing.
• D. Turn off the oxygen while eating meals.

Answer: (A)

Oxygen use at home demands strict fire safety because supplemental oxygen makes flames burn more vigorously. The essential teaching is to remove ignition sources from the area, so keeping a “No Smoking” sign near the equipment and avoiding open flames is the best guidance. This protects both the patient and those nearby from fire hazards and ensures the oxygen can be used safely as prescribed. Other practices—placing the concentrator near a heater, using petroleum jelly around the tubing, or turning off oxygen during meals—are unsafe or lead to inadequate oxygen delivery, so they don’t fit safe home use.