What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy?

The primary goal of oxygen therapy is to maintain or improve oxygen saturation. This therapy is utilized to ensure that a patient's oxygen levels are sufficient for their body's needs, particularly in situations where they cannot achieve adequate oxygenation due to respiratory illness, trauma, or other medical conditions.

When a patient has compromised lung function or is in an environment where oxygen levels are low, providing supplemental oxygen can help to increase the oxygen concentration in the blood, which is critical for proper cellular function and metabolism. The aim is to achieve and sustain oxygen saturation levels typically between 92-98% for most patients, depending on their individual health status and specific medical guidelines.

While minimizing patient discomfort, reducing medication side effects, and enhancing physical activity are important considerations in patient care, they are not the primary goals of oxygen therapy itself. The primary focus remains on ensuring adequate oxygenation to support overall health and prevent complications related to hypoxia.