What is the first action listed when preparing to administer nasal oxygen via cannula?

What is the first action listed when preparing to administer nasal oxygen via cannula?

• A. Verify MAR with order, check allergies
• B. Assemble equipment: o2 tank, nasal cannula, humidifier, no smoking sign, sterile distilled water
• C. If humidifier, fill with sterile water; not required if under 3 L/min
• D. Wash hands

Answer: (D)

Hand hygiene is the essential first step before any procedure, including preparing to administer nasal oxygen. Washing your hands reduces the risk of transferring bacteria or viruses to the patient or to the oxygen equipment, helping prevent infections. Once hands are clean, you can proceed to verify the order and patient details, gather and arrange the supplies, and set up the nasal cannula and humidifier as needed. The other steps are important parts of the preparation, but they come after establishing a clean, infection-free start.

Hand hygiene is the essential first step before any procedure, including preparing to administer nasal oxygen. Washing your hands reduces the risk of transferring bacteria or viruses to the patient or to the oxygen equipment, helping prevent infections. Once hands are clean, you can proceed to verify the order and patient details, gather and arrange the supplies, and set up the nasal cannula and humidifier as needed. The other steps are important parts of the preparation, but they come after establishing a clean, infection-free start.