What should be done if oxygen saturation falls below the target range?

When oxygen saturation levels fall below the target range, it is crucial to ensure that the patient receives adequate oxygen to maintain their health and prevent complications. Administering more oxygen in such situations is a common intervention because the immediate goal is to correct the hypoxemia—defined as low blood oxygen levels.

Increasing the flow of oxygen can help raise the saturation back to the desired range, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with low oxygen levels, such as confusion, restlessness, or other signs of distress. The patient's condition should be monitored closely following the adjustment to ensure that the oxygen saturation stabilizes within an acceptable range.

In contrast, decreasing oxygen flow or stopping oxygen therapy could potentially worsen the patient's condition by further lowering their oxygen levels. Consulting a physician is important for ongoing management, but addressing the immediate drop in saturation with an increased supply of oxygen is the first step in providing care.