Which of the following is a critical action before initiating oxygen therapy?

Assessing the patient's current oxygen saturation is crucial before initiating oxygen therapy because it provides vital information about the patient's respiratory function and overall oxygenation status. This measurement helps healthcare providers determine the severity of the patient's condition and whether supplemental oxygen is necessary. Oxygen saturation levels below a certain threshold (usually around 92-94% for most patients) may indicate that the patient is hypoxemic and in need of immediate oxygen support.

By knowing the oxygen saturation levels, healthcare providers can tailor the oxygen therapy to the patient's specific needs and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment afterward. This assessment plays a significant role in ensuring patient safety and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Monitoring oxygen saturation is therefore a standard practice in the management of respiratory distress and is critical for guiding treatment decisions.