If a home care patient states their oxygen concentrator isn't functioning, what should the therapist advise they check first?

When a home care patient reports that their oxygen concentrator is not functioning, one of the first steps in troubleshooting is to check the circuit breaker to ensure it is in the "on" position. The circuit breaker provides essential protection to the electrical components of the concentrator, and if it has tripped, the machine will not receive power, resulting in a lack of functionality. This initial check is crucial because it involves a straightforward verification of power supply without needing specialized tools or disassembly of the unit.

If the circuit breaker is functioning correctly, the therapist can then guide the patient to investigate other components, such as internal fuses, reset switches, and filters. However, starting with the circuit breaker helps to rule out a simple electrical issue before moving on to more complicated checks. This approach prioritizes efficiency and ensures that patients can quickly restore oxygen delivery when needed.