What is the primary purpose of continuous pulse oximetry monitoring for a patient receiving oxygen therapy?

• A. To ensure oxygen saturation stays within the target range
• B. To diagnose lung disease
• C. To replace arterial blood gas measurement
• D. To confirm patient identity

Answer: (A)

Continuous pulse oximetry provides real-time, noninvasive measurement of how much oxygen the blood is carrying. In oxygen therapy, its main role is to keep the patient’s oxygen saturation within the prescribed target range, so you can detect and respond quickly to any decreases (hypoxemia) or trends toward too much oxygen (hyperoxia). This allows safe titration of oxygen flow or delivery device to meet the goal for that patient.

It isn’t used to diagnose lung disease, and it doesn’t replace arterial blood gas analysis when precise gas values and acid-base status are needed. It also isn’t a method to verify patient identity.