A(n) ______ reduces the pressure of compressed oxygen inside the oxygen cylinder to a level more appropriate for patient care.

An oxygen regulator is designed to reduce the high pressure of compressed oxygen found inside an oxygen cylinder to a much lower and safer level, making it suitable for patient care. When oxygen is stored in a cylinder, it is kept under high pressure, which can be dangerous if not controlled. The regulator is a crucial component that ensures the flow of oxygen is adjusted to a manageable level for therapeutic use, typically measured in liters per minute.

This controlled delivery is essential for safe administration in various clinical settings, providing a steady and appropriate concentration of oxygen for patients who need it. Without the regulator, the oxygen would be delivered at potentially harmful pressures, which could cause injury to the patient or equipment.

While an oxygen mask and a ventilation mask are important tools for delivering oxygen to patients, they do not modulate the pressure of the oxygen they distribute. The oxygen tank is simply the container that holds the gas and does not play a role in adjusting pressure either. Therefore, the oxygen regulator is the key device that ensures safe and effective patient care during oxygen therapy.