What indicates the need for supplemental oxygen in a patient?

Supplemental oxygen is typically indicated when the oxygen saturation levels, measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2), fall below 94%. This threshold is crucial because healthy individuals generally maintain oxygen saturation levels above this benchmark, indicating adequate oxygenation of blood. When SpO2 levels drop below 94%, it may suggest that the patient is not receiving enough oxygen, which can lead to hypoxia and subsequent organ dysfunction if not promptly addressed. In such cases, administering supplemental oxygen can help increase the oxygen content in the blood, improving the patient's overall oxygenation and potentially preventing serious complications.

While other factors, like heart rate, the ability to move air, and consciousness level, can indicate various problems, they are not direct measures of a patient's oxygenation status. Therefore, the determination to administer supplemental oxygen is most directly linked to lower SpO2 levels, as they provide a clear and quantifiable indication of the body's oxygen supply.