What action by the nurse would best assist the patient in managing home oxygen therapy after discharge?

What action by the nurse would best assist the patient in managing home oxygen therapy after discharge?

• A. Provide a teaching session on the use of a portable oxygen compressor.
• B. Arrange for a home consultation with a respiratory therapist or technologist.
• C. Give the patient a pamphlet on oxygen therapy to refer to at home.
• D. Make an appointment for pulse oximetry 1 week after discharge.

Answer: (B)

Managing home oxygen after discharge relies on a professional assessment of the patient’s environment and equipment to ensure safe, effective use. A home visit by a respiratory therapist or technologist provides a personalized evaluation of oxygen needs, confirms that the prescribed device and flow rate are appropriate, teaches the patient and caregiver how to operate and troubleshoot the equipment, and reviews safety measures such as fire hazards, electrical setup, tubing care, and humidification if needed. This hands-on support also helps arrange supplies, schedule follow-up, and address problems before they become emergencies. Offering only a teaching session on a portable oxygen compressor misses the in-home assessment and hands-on instruction needed to ensure proper setup. A pamphlet gives information but no personalized instruction or safety checks. Scheduling a pulse oximetry check in a week delays evaluation of equipment use and safety, and may not address how well the home environment supports ongoing therapy.

Managing home oxygen after discharge relies on a professional assessment of the patient’s environment and equipment to ensure safe, effective use. A home visit by a respiratory therapist or technologist provides a personalized evaluation of oxygen needs, confirms that the prescribed device and flow rate are appropriate, teaches the patient and caregiver how to operate and troubleshoot the equipment, and reviews safety measures such as fire hazards, electrical setup, tubing care, and humidification if needed. This hands-on support also helps arrange supplies, schedule follow-up, and address problems before they become emergencies.

Offering only a teaching session on a portable oxygen compressor misses the in-home assessment and hands-on instruction needed to ensure proper setup. A pamphlet gives information but no personalized instruction or safety checks. Scheduling a pulse oximetry check in a week delays evaluation of equipment use and safety, and may not address how well the home environment supports ongoing therapy.