What is an essential action when monitoring a patient on oxygen therapy?

Monitoring labs and diagnostic tests is an essential action when caring for a patient on oxygen therapy because it allows healthcare providers to assess the patient’s oxygen levels and overall health status. Key parameters such as arterial blood gases (ABGs), pulse oximetry readings, and hemoglobin levels help evaluate the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy provided and the patient’s respiratory function. These indicators inform necessary adjustments to therapy, ensuring that the patient is receiving adequate oxygenation and identifying any complications early.

In contrast, merely observing a patient's color and appearance is insufficient for thorough monitoring, as these factors alone do not provide a complete picture of the patient's respiratory status or oxygenation levels. Continuous administration of sedatives is not appropriate in this context, as it can depress respiratory drive and further complicate the patient's ability to breathe adequately. Restricting a patient's mobility is also not conducive to their overall health and recovery, as movement is often encouraged to promote better lung function and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis.