Paramedic School Entry Practice Exam

The indication for supplemental oxygen in a patient is primarily based on the measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood quantified by SpO2 levels. When SpO2 levels fall below 94%, it suggests that the patient is not receiving adequate oxygenation, which can lead to tissue hypoxia and associated complications. This threshold is important as it alerts healthcare providers to intervene and supplement the patient with oxygen to restore adequate levels, especially in various clinical scenarios such as respiratory distress, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, or acute illness.

The importance of monitoring SpO2 levels lies in its role as a direct indicator of how well oxygen is being transported throughout the body. Values above 94% generally suggest sufficient oxygenation, while values below this level indicate that there may not be enough oxygen available to meet the metabolic demands of the tissues. Therefore, initiating supplemental oxygen at this point is a critical step in preventing further deterioration of the patient’s condition.