What does the term 'flow' refer to in oxygen therapy?

In the context of oxygen therapy, the term 'flow' specifically refers to the amount of oxygen delivered to a patient, which is quantified in liters per minute. This measurement is crucial for ensuring that patients receive an adequate and appropriate concentration of oxygen to meet their respiratory needs.

Understanding flow in liters per minute allows healthcare providers to adjust the oxygen delivery systems, such as nasal cannulas or oxygen masks, to precisely control how much oxygen the patient is receiving. This is essential for managing various medical conditions that require supplemental oxygen, as different patients may require different flow rates based on their individual oxygen saturation levels and clinical status.

The other options, while related to oxygen therapy in some manner, do not capture the definition of 'flow' as used in this context. The percentage of inspired air refers more to the concentration of oxygen within the air mixture rather than the flow, and the amount of oxygen absorbed relates to the efficiency of the therapy rather than the delivery rate. The duration of therapy pertains to how long a patient is receiving treatment rather than the rate at which oxygen is administered.