When administering oxygen, what action is often necessary based on the delivery device?

The appropriate action when administering oxygen is to adjust the flow rate according to the physician's prescription. This is essential because each patient's needs for oxygen therapy can differ significantly based on their individual medical condition, type of delivery device being used, and the specific therapeutic goals outlined by their healthcare provider.

For instance, a high-flow device may require a higher flow rate to meet the patient's needs effectively, whereas other devices, such as nasal cannulas, may function optimally at lower flow rates. Adjusting the flow rate ensures that the patient receives the precise amount of oxygen necessary to support their respiratory function and overall health, preventing both under-treatment and over-treatment, which could lead to complications.

In contrast, keeping the oxygen delivery at a constant rate regardless of condition may not meet specific therapeutic objectives, as patient needs can change during treatment. Additionally, the notion that oxygen should only be used with a high-flow mask is an overgeneralization; various devices serve different purposes and patient needs. Lastly, the requirement to change the delivery device every hour is not standard practice and could lead to unnecessary interruptions in therapy, potentially compromising patient care.