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Oxygen and smoking safety — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardRespiratory TherapeuticsOxygen and smoking safetyGPhC CRA

During a medicines-use review, a patient prescribed long-term home oxygen says they continue to smoke indoors but switch the concentrator off first. Petroleum ointment is visible around the nasal cannula. What is the best response?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: AExplain that the fire risk persists, stop petroleum products, and urgently involve the home-oxygen service in a risk review

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · D = shown as B · E = shown as D · A = shown as E

A is wrong because neither a window nor a low flow makes smoking around home oxygen safe. B is correct: oxygen-enriched clothing and furnishings remain a fire hazard, petroleum products add fuel, and ongoing indoor smoking requires urgent specialist risk management plus cessation support. C can trap heat and ignores oxygen enrichment. D is unsafe because vaping equipment can provide an ignition source. E falsely limits the risk to cylinders.

Reference: NHS: Home oxygen therapy. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/home-oxygen-treatment/