A patient is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula and complains of nasal dryness. What should the nurse do to maintain comfort and oxygenation?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -2nd)

Explanation

Oxygen is a dry gas that dehydrates the respiratory mucous membranes, causing irritation and discomfort.
Humidification involves adding sterile water to the oxygen delivery system to moisturize the inspired air.
This action directly addresses the patient's complaint of dryness, improves comfort, and helps maintain the integrity of the nasal mucosa.
It is a standard nursing intervention, particularly for oxygen flow rates of 4 L/min or greater, but can be used for lower rates based on patient comfort.

Option A: Oxygen is a prescribed medical treatment. Discontinuing it without a provider's order can lead to hypoxemia and respiratory distress.
Option C: Petroleum jelly is an oil-based substance and is combustible. Using it with oxygen creates a serious fire hazard. If aspirated, it can also cause lipoid pneumonia.
Option D: Increasing the flow rate of a dry gas will only worsen the nasal dryness and irritation. Oxygen flow rate should be titrated based on oxygen saturation levels, not for comfort.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration showing a nasal cannula connected to an oxygen flowmeter with a humidifier bottle attached. This helps visualize the correct setup for providing humidified oxygen.
Visual 2: Infographic - A 'Do's and Don'ts' chart for oxygen therapy safety, highlighting the use of water-soluble lubricants and prohibiting oil-based products and smoking.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Management of complications associated with oxygen therapy to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Patient comfort is a key component of care and can improve compliance with oxygen therapy.
Patient safety is paramount. Nurses must recognize the fire risk associated with oxygen and avoid using combustible materials like petroleum jelly.
What if? If the patient was using a simple face mask instead of a nasal cannula, they might complain of a feeling of claustrophobia or dry mouth rather than nasal dryness. The intervention would shift to ensuring a proper fit, providing frequent oral care, and considering a switch to a nasal cannula if tolerated and appropriate.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core problem presented in the question: a patient is experiencing a side effect (nasal dryness) from a medical therapy (oxygen via nasal cannula).
Next, analyze the goal: to maintain both comfort and oxygenation. This means the solution should not compromise the delivery of oxygen.
Evaluate each option based on this goal. Option A (Discontinue oxygen) fails because it compromises oxygenation. Option D (Increase flow rate) fails because it worsens the problem of dryness.
Compare the remaining options. Option C (Petroleum jelly) introduces a major safety risk (fire hazard). Option B (Humidify oxygen) directly and safely addresses the cause of the dryness.
Conclude that humidifying the oxygen is the only option that is safe, effective, and addresses the patient's specific complaint without compromising the primary therapy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Management of complications associated with oxygen therapy.
Stem keywords: oxygen, nasal cannula, nasal dryness
Lead-in keywords: What should the nurse do
Clinical cues: Patient complaint of nasal dryness is a direct indicator of a common side effect of oxygen therapy.

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -2nd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.