Before starting oxygen therapy, what must be monitored during treatment?

Monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation levels before and during oxygen therapy is crucial because it directly reflects how effectively oxygen is being delivered to the body's tissues. This measurement helps healthcare providers assess the adequacy of oxygen therapy, ensuring the patient is receiving the right amount of oxygen to maintain normal bodily functions.

Maintaining optimal oxygen saturation levels is important for preventing hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the body), which can lead to serious complications such as organ damage. The goal of oxygen therapy is to achieve and maintain sufficient oxygen saturation, typically above 92% in most patients, depending on their individual health status. By consistently monitoring these levels, healthcare professionals can make necessary adjustments to the therapy, ensuring it is both safe and effective.

In contrast, while monitoring pain levels, respiratory rate, and dietary intake can be important aspects of overall patient care, they are not as directly tied to the immediate and critical outcomes of oxygen therapy as oxygen saturation levels are.