Oxygen should be administered to patients exhibiting signs of breathlessness, regardless of their oxygen saturation level. Additionally, specific medical conditions warrant oxygen therapy, as detailed below.
Oxygen Administration Guidelines
The decision to administer oxygen is based on a combination of patient symptoms and their specific medical circumstances. Here is a breakdown of situations where oxygen is indicated:
Breathlessness
- Oxygen is indicated for all breathless patients. If a patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, oxygen supplementation should be provided. This applies even if the saturation level appears normal at first assessment.
Oxygen Saturation Levels
- Oxygen is indicated in a patient with saturation 98% on room air. Counterintuitively, a patient with a high saturation level like 98% still may require oxygen depending on their clinical presentation.
- Oxygen is indicated in a patient who is suffering an acute MI who has saturation of 90%. During an acute myocardial infarction (MI), a saturation level of 90% necessitates oxygen therapy.
Specific Medical Conditions
- Oxygen should be given to all patients having an acute stroke regardless of oxygen saturation. Patients suffering from an acute stroke should receive supplemental oxygen irrespective of their oxygen saturation levels.
Summary Table
| Condition | Oxygen Indication |
|---|---|
| Breathlessness | Yes |
| Oxygen Saturation of 98% on room air | Yes |
| Acute MI with saturation of 90% | Yes |
| Acute Stroke | Yes (regardless of saturation) |
Practical Insights
- Always prioritize patient's symptoms first.
- Oxygen therapy should be adjusted based on patient response and other clinical parameters.
- Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation is essential during oxygen administration.
