CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A resident receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula wants to light a small candle for a religious ritual. What should the nurse aide do?
- AMove the resident to the hallway to light the candle safely
- BLet the resident light the candle but remove the oxygen tubing temporarily
- CAllow the candle since the resident has a religious reason
- DExplain that open flames are not allowed near oxygen and offer a safe alternative
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Explain that open flames are not allowed near oxygen and offer a safe alternative
Oxygen supports combustion and greatly increases fire risk near open flames, so lit candles are never permitted in a room where oxygen is in use. The nurse aide should explain the safety concern and suggest an alternative, such as a battery-operated candle, rather than allowing the flame or removing oxygen inappropriately.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Moving to a hallway does not make an open flame safe and is impractical.
- B. Temporarily removing oxygen does not eliminate residual oxygen in the air and fabrics.
- C. Religious intent does not override the serious fire hazard oxygen creates.
Oxygen Fire Safety
A safety principle stating that oxygen-enriched environments greatly increase fire risk, so open flames, smoking, and flammable materials must be kept away from oxygen equipment.
- Oxygen itself doesn't burn but accelerates combustion
- No smoking or open flames within a designated safe distance from oxygen source
- Report any request for flame use near oxygen to the nurse
Memory trick: Oxygen loves fire too much — no flames where air flows free.