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What are the most common hazards of oxygen therapy?

A) Hyperthermia and hypertension
B) Hypoxemia and hypotension
C) Hypothermia and bradycardia
D) Oxygen toxicity and fire hazards

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The common hazards of oxygen therapy are oxygen toxicity and fire hazards, with oxygen toxicity causing lung damage and seizures, and fire hazards arising due to oxygen's property as a supporter of combustion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most common hazards of oxygen therapy are Oxygen toxicity and fire hazards. When patients receive too much oxygen or are exposed over a long period especially in settings like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, there is a risk of oxygen toxicity. Symptoms of oxygen toxicity may include damage to the lungs, seizures, and in severe cases, even respiratory failure. Fire hazards are another significant risk because oxygen is a strong supporter of combustion. Materials that wouldn't normally ignite in air can burn vigorously in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. Therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant when using oxygen therapy to avoid any sources of ignition.

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