How many emergency oxygen tanks are nursing units allowed to have?

Nursing units are required to have appropriate emergency oxygen supplies to ensure the safety and readiness for any patient requiring immediate respiratory support. Best practice guidelines and regulations typically recommend having one emergency oxygen tank readily available per unit. This is to provide an adequate response to emergencies while avoiding unnecessary clutter or complexity in the unit, thereby ensuring that the equipment is easily accessible and can be utilized quickly in a crisis.

The recommendation for one tank aligns with healthcare protocols that focus on preparedness and efficiency in managing patient emergencies, making it both practical and compliant with safety regulations. Having more tanks than necessary could lead to difficulties in efficient management and may not significantly improve patient safety. The focus is on ensuring that the single tank is adequately maintained and easily within reach for emergencies.