CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is the requirement for prescribing oxygen to a patient?

1. It can be given freely without supervision

2. Oxygen must be prescribed with an order

3. Any staff member can administer oxygen without a prescription

4. Patients can self-administer oxygen at will

The correct answer is: Oxygen must be prescribed with an order

The requirement for prescribing oxygen to a patient is that it must be prescribed with an order. This ensures that the administration of oxygen is medically justified and tailored to the specific needs of the patient. Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that can have significant effects on a patient's health, and its use should be based on clinical guidelines and the patient's diagnosis. Having a prescription for oxygen creates a framework for monitoring and adjusting the treatment as necessary, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate concentration and flow rates based on their clinical condition. This approach protects patient safety and efficacy of the treatment. Other choices reflect a misunderstanding of the protocols surrounding oxygen administration. Giving oxygen freely without supervision or allowing any staff member to administer it without a prescription bypasses necessary medical oversight, which could result in complications or ineffective treatment. Furthermore, allowing patients to self-administer oxygen at will can lead to mismanagement of their treatment, as they may not have the expertise to determine their needs.