When should you administer oxygen to a patient?

Administering oxygen to a patient typically occurs when their oxygen saturation levels, measured by a pulse oximeter, fall below a defined threshold. In many clinical settings, a saturation level below 94% is considered an indication for supplemental oxygen. This is because oxygen saturation below this level can signal insufficient oxygen delivery to the body's tissues, which could lead to adverse health effects.

While different healthcare guidelines may set various thresholds based on individual clinical assessments or specific patient conditions, the 94% mark is widely recognized as a safe cutoff in order to maintain adequate oxygenation. Evaluating oxygen saturation is essential in ensuring that the patient is receiving enough oxygen for their physiological needs, thus preventing complications related to hypoxemia.