Why is pure oxygen administered to patients?

Administering pure oxygen is primarily aimed at treating hypoxemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood. In various medical situations, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections, or acute respiratory distress syndrome, patients may be unable to adequately oxygenate their blood due to underlying health issues. By providing pure oxygen, healthcare providers can significantly increase the amount of oxygen available for diffusion into the bloodstream, thus improving tissue oxygenation and supporting the patient's overall physiological needs.

Oxygen therapy plays a crucial role in stabilizing patients, as adequate oxygen levels are essential for proper cellular function and can prevent complications associated with prolonged hypoxemia. The administration of oxygen can alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress and enhance the quality of life for individuals with chronic respiratory ailments.

In contrast, choices like treating hypercapnia or increasing nitrogen levels do not align with the primary purpose of oxygen therapy. Hypercapnia refers to elevated carbon dioxide levels, which may require different management strategies that might not involve increasing oxygen intake alone. Additionally, providing anesthesia does involve oxygen, but it is not the sole application of oxygen therapy. Rather, its primary goal is to address oxygen deficiency in various medical conditions. Increasing nitrogen levels in the blood is not