Final answer:
The nurse should consider that oxygen supports combustion, has stable properties, and is used in 100 percent concentration to treat carbon monoxide poisoning because it displaces carbon monoxide on hemoglobin. Oxygen is essential in both medical treatments and physiological processes, hence correct administration and safety protocols are crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considerations for Oxygen Therapy
When planning care for a client in the coronary care unit who is prescribed oxygen therapy, the nurse must consider several safety precautions. Firstly, the nurse should understand that oxygen supports combustion rather than being flammable itself. This means that oxygen enhances the burning process in the presence of a flame or spark. It is essential to keep sources of ignition away from oxygen delivery systems to prevent fires. Secondly, oxygen has stable properties under normal conditions and does not convert to an alternate form of matter. However, 100 percent oxygen is administered in cases such as carbon monoxide poisoning because it competes with carbon monoxide for binding sites on hemoglobin, effectively displacing the carbon monoxide and reversing its toxic effects. Administering carbon dioxide would not be beneficial since it is a waste product of respiration and does not support the oxygenation of body tissues.
Furthermore, in healthcare settings, oxygen is often used for patients with damaged lungs or undergoing major operations to support respiration. Understanding the role of oxygen in combustion reactions and metabolism is vital for the safe and effective delivery of oxygen therapy. The nurse must employ safety protocols to prevent any potential hazards associated with its use.