What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy?

The primary goal of oxygen therapy is to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues. Oxygen is a crucial element for cellular metabolism, and when there is insufficient oxygen (hypoxia), it can lead to serious complications in various organ systems. By providing supplemental oxygen, therapy aims to increase the oxygen levels in the blood, thereby enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, supporting cellular function, and preventing damage caused by inadequate oxygenation.

Ensuring adequate oxygen supply is particularly important in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other respiratory disorders where the body's ability to take in oxygen is compromised. The administration of oxygen can help alleviate symptoms, improve overall physiological function, and contribute to better clinical outcomes.

Other options, while they may have some relevance in specific contexts, do not represent the primary goal of oxygen therapy. For instance, sedation may be beneficial in certain circumstances but is not the main focus of oxygen therapy, which is centered around oxygenation. Likewise, oxygen therapy does not primarily aim to address blood pressure or prevent agitation, although improving tissue oxygenation can have indirect positive effects on overall patient comfort and stability.