Quick answer The lit candle is an ignition source in an oxygen-enriched environment. Oxygen supports rapid combustion, so open flames must be removed immediately.
Why this is correct Oxygen does not ignite by itself, but it accelerates combustion. A lit candle is an immediate ignition hazard in an oxygen-enriched care environment.
Easy analogy or mental picture Picture oxygen as making a small flame burn faster and hotter; removing the flame breaks the ignition side of the fire triangle.
Memory hook The lit candle is the ignition source that must be removed immediately.
NCLEX decision rule When oxygen is in use, remove open flames and ignition sources and follow facility fire-safety precautions.
Why the other choices are wrong The cup, book, tissue box, and oxygen equipment require ordinary safety checks, but the visible flame is the immediate ignition source.
References
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FDA: Medical-gas labeling and oxygen fire warnings
Clinical situationThe client is receiving oxygen by nasal cannula.
What the nurse should noticeThe lit candle is an ignition source in an oxygen-enriched environment. Oxygen supports rapid combustion, so open flames must be removed immediately.
Transfer to practiceWhen oxygen is in use, remove open flames and ignition sources and follow facility fire-safety precautions.
Oxygen-enriched environment — An area where supplemental oxygen can intensify combustion.
Ignition source — A flame, spark, or heat source capable of starting a fire.