What should be monitored when a patient is receiving oxygen therapy?

Monitoring oxygen saturation levels and respiratory status is critical when a patient is receiving oxygen therapy because these parameters provide direct insight into how effectively the respiratory system is functioning and how well the patient is responding to oxygen therapy. Oxygen saturation levels indicate the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen, which helps determine whether the patient is receiving adequate oxygen supply. For patients with respiratory issues, it is essential to ensure that their oxygen levels remain within the target range to prevent complications such as hypoxemia.

Additionally, monitoring respiratory status, including the rate and effort of breathing, can provide important information about the patient's overall respiratory function. Changes in either of these parameters may indicate the need for adjustments in therapy or further medical intervention.

Other parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature provide valuable information about a patient's overall health but are not as closely related to the efficacy of oxygen therapy. While they may be monitored as part of routine care or in specific clinical situations, they do not provide the immediate feedback needed to assess the adequacy of oxygen delivery in the context of respiratory therapy.