Indication for oxygen therapy

Indication for oxygen therapy:
- Oxygen therapy is indicated in any acute condition causing inadequate tissue oxygenation like pulmonary embolism, severe pneumonia, pneumothorax, acute severe asthma, MI
- Cyanosis and acute dyspnea are obvious signs of severe hypoxia but, in many patients requiring oxygen, the signs, if any, may be much less specific, e.g. tachycardia or mild confusion.
- If the arterial oxygen saturation, as measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2) is less than 90%.
- Prophylactic oxygen therapy is required postoperatively (at least 4 hours following major surgery and following minor surgery until the patient is stable.).
- Hypoxemia is common during heavy sedation: If verbal contact with the patient is lost due to sedation, the airway must be protected and oxygen should be administered.