Which of the following is essential when administering oxygen?

Ensuring there is no smoking nearby is essential when administering oxygen due to the highly flammable nature of oxygen. Oxygen supports combustion, which means that materials that normally wouldn't ignite can become flammable in an oxygen-rich environment. By making sure that there are no sources of ignition, such as smoking materials, you significantly reduce the risk of a fire, which is vital for the safety of both the resident and the facility.

Other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not address the immediate safety concerns associated with oxygen administration. Checking for allergies may be important in different medication administrations but is not directly related to oxygen use. Instructing the resident to take deep breaths is a technique that may help with oxygenation but is not a safety protocol. Administering oxygen at any flow rate disregards the need to follow specific medical guidelines, as setting the appropriate flow rate is crucial for effective and safe oxygen delivery.