What is the purpose of using a combination of oxygen and nitrogen in medical treatments?

The purpose of using a combination of oxygen and nitrogen in medical treatments primarily revolves around managing respiratory function and preventing complications associated with oxygen therapy. When administering oxygen, particularly in higher concentrations, patients can experience hyperoxia, which can lead to complications such as oxygen toxicity and damage to the lungs. By blending oxygen with nitrogen, healthcare providers can deliver adequate oxygen levels while keeping the inspired oxygen fraction within a safer range. This helps to ensure that patients receive sufficient oxygen to prevent hypoxemia, which is a dangerously low level of oxygen in the blood, without subjecting them to potentially harmful high levels of oxygen.

Such a combination is particularly useful in scenarios such as controlled ventilation, where precise management of oxygen delivery is crucial. In summary, the blend of oxygen and nitrogen effectively addresses the need for oxygenation while safeguarding against the adverse effects of excessive oxygen.