Question

which statement most accurately represents best practice regarding the administering of oxygen when the provider cannot be reached?

select the most accurate statement.

• you may use your facilitys standing orders for the delivery of oxygen in emergent situations. since you will not have needed the providers orders, you do not need to continue to contact the provider.
• oxygen delivery over 2 l/hr generally requires provider orders. however, many facilities have protocols in place to allow nurses to administer oxygen to patients in emergency situations.
• oxygen is not a medication, so any qualified member of hospital staff may administer it, with or without a physicians order, for any valid reason.

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical scenario

The question asks for the statement that most accurately represents best practice regarding the administration of oxygen when the provider cannot be reached. Oxygen is a medication and generally requires a provider's order, but in emergent situations, patient safety is the priority.

Evaluate the first option

The first option states: "You may use your facility's standing orders for the delivery of oxygen in emergent situations. Since you will not have needed the provider's orders, you do not need to continue to contact the provider."

• This is incorrect because even if standing orders or protocols are used initially in an emergency, the nurse must still notify and continue to contact the provider to obtain a formal order and report the patient's change in status.

Evaluate the second option

The second option states: "Oxygen delivery over 2 L/hr generally requires provider orders. However, many facilities have protocols in place to allow nurses to administer oxygen to patients in emergency situations."

• This is correct. Oxygen is legally classified as a drug/medication and requires a prescription/order for administration (especially at higher flows). However, in acute or emergency situations, standard nursing protocols or standing orders allow the nurse to initiate oxygen therapy immediately to prevent hypoxia while simultaneously seeking provider orders.

Evaluate the third option

The third option states: "Oxygen is not a medication, so any qualified member of hospital staff may administer it, with or without a physician's order, for any valid reason."

• This is incorrect. Oxygen is legally classified as a medication/drug and does require a provider's order under normal circumstances. It cannot be administered by "any staff member" for "any valid reason" without proper authorization or protocol.

Formulate the final recommendation

The second option is the most accurate and safe clinical practice statement.

Answer:

• (A) You may use your facility's standing orders for the delivery of oxygen in emergent situations. Since you will not have needed the provider's orders, you do not need to continue to contact the provider.
• (B) Oxygen delivery over 2 L/hr generally requires provider orders. However, many facilities have protocols in place to allow nurses to administer oxygen to patients in emergency situations. (Correct answer)
• (C) Oxygen is not a medication, so any qualified member of hospital staff may administer it, with or without a physician's order, for any valid reason.