In a long-term care facility, which change is typically required to authorize nurses to administer oxygen in certain circumstances under applicable regulations?

• A. A new institution policy
• B. A new act
• C. A national standard
• D. A physician's order only

Answer: (A)

Within a long-term care facility, who can administer and adjust oxygen is defined by the institution’s policies and procedures, not by broad laws alone. A policy that clearly outlines when nurses may initiate or titrate oxygen, the allowed settings, monitoring requirements, and documentation gives staff authority to respond promptly under a physician-approved plan of care. This approach balances safety with timely care, providing specific criteria for action and escalation while ensuring training and supervision are in place. Broader changes such as enacting a new act or adopting a national standard would take longer and are outside the facility’s immediate control. A physician’s order is essential for initiating new therapy, but a standing policy can authorize nurses to adjust oxygen within predefined limits without a new order each time, as long as the protocol is followed. Therefore, implementing a new institution policy is the mechanism that typically enables nurses to administer oxygen in certain circumstances within regulatory guidelines.