When should oxygen be administered to a patient?

Administering oxygen to a patient is typically indicated when their oxygen saturation levels, measured by pulse oximetry (spO2), drop below 94%. The rationale behind this guideline is based on the physiology of oxygenation and the body's requirements. When spO2 levels fall below this threshold, it suggests that the patient may not be receiving adequate oxygenation, which can lead to tissue hypoxia and subsequent organ dysfunction.

In situations where spO2 is lower than 94%, providing supplemental oxygen can help to increase the saturation levels, thus improving the delivery of oxygen to vital organs and tissues. This practice is commonly adopted in pre-hospital and clinical settings to ensure patients maintain adequate oxygen levels, preventing potential complications associated with low oxygenation.

On the other hand, administering oxygen when spO2 levels are greater than 96% is generally unnecessary, as patients are already adequately oxygenated. Limiting oxygen administration to specific scenarios such as traumatic incidents or patients with chest pain is not a comprehensive approach, as various medical conditions can lead to inadequate oxygen levels and may require intervention regardless of the specific diagnosis.