Why should the lowest dosage of oxygen be used?

Using the lowest dosage of oxygen is primarily important to prevent oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity can occur when a patient is exposed to high concentrations of oxygen for extended periods, leading to cellular injury, particularly in the lungs and the central nervous system. This is especially relevant in certain clinical settings, such as when treating patients with chronic respiratory conditions or during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The goal is to achieve an adequate level of oxygenation without exceeding safe limits, thus minimizing the risk of adverse effects related to excess oxygen exposure.

While minimizing patient discomfort is important, high oxygen levels can also lead to discomfort if they irritate the respiratory tract. The effectiveness of treatment can be influenced by the dosage of oxygen, but the primary focus should be the safety of the patient and preventing toxicity. Enhancing drug efficacy may be a reasonable concern in some contexts, but it is not the primary reason for limiting oxygen dosage. Therefore, the prevention of oxygen toxicity remains the central justification for using the lowest dosage of oxygen necessary to maintain appropriate oxygen saturation levels.