What should be monitored closely when a patient is receiving oxygen therapy?

When a patient is receiving oxygen therapy, it is vital to monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels and vital signs closely. Oxygen saturation, often measured using a pulse oximeter, indicates how well oxygen is being transported to the tissues. Maintaining appropriate oxygen levels is essential for optimal organ function, and any deviations can have significant consequences for the patient's health.

Vital signs, which include heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature, also provide crucial information about the patient's overall condition. Changes in these parameters may indicate that the patient is not tolerating oxygen therapy well or that their underlying condition is worsening, necessitating timely adjustments in treatment.

In contrast, while a patient's emotional response is important for overall care and may affect compliance with therapy, it does not directly influence the immediate physiological aspects that oxygen therapy targets. Monitoring the diet can be relevant in a more general health context or when considering medication interactions but is not a primary focus when evaluating the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. Lastly, while tracking the frequency of therapy sessions can be part of treatment protocol, it does not provide direct insight into the patient’s current respiratory status or how well they are responding to the oxygen being supplied.