What should a PCT monitor when dealing with oxygen therapy?

Monitoring oxygen saturation levels and patient comfort is crucial when dealing with oxygen therapy because these factors provide immediate insight into the effectiveness of the treatment and the patient's overall well-being. Oxygen saturation levels indicate how well oxygen is being transported in the blood; this is essential for assessing whether the prescribed oxygen therapy is meeting the patient's needs. A typical target for oxygen saturation is usually between 92% and 98%, but this can vary based on the individual's medical condition.

Patient comfort is equally important, as it can influence their compliance with oxygen therapy and overall health outcomes. Discomfort or distress could indicate complications or the need for adjustments in the therapy. Observing how the patient tolerates the treatment ensures that they receive adequate support and intervention if needed.

The other options, while relevant to patient monitoring in different contexts, do not specifically address the key aspects of oxygen therapy. Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure is important in various situations but does not directly reflect the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. Respiratory rate and temperature can be relevant, but they do not provide as direct an assessment of oxygen saturation and comfort as the chosen option. Skin color can give some indication of oxygenation status, but blood sugar is not relevant in monitoring oxygen therapy. Thus, focusing on oxygen saturation and