Which of the following is an indication for oxygen administration?

• A. Normal oxygen saturation
• B. Low oxygen saturation
• C. No injuries
• D. Fully alert

Answer: (B)

Oxygen is indicated when there is evidence of insufficient oxygen in the blood, i.e., hypoxemia. The best indicator among the options is low oxygen saturation, because a pulse oximeter reading that is below the target range (often under about 90% in many field settings) shows the body's tissues may not be getting enough oxygen and supplemental oxygen is needed to improve delivery. Normal oxygen saturation suggests adequate oxygenation, so it does not justify giving oxygen. Having no injuries or being fully alert are not direct measures of oxygen status; they don’t tell you whether the blood is adequately oxygenated. In practice, you administer oxygen when SpO2 is low or when there are signs of hypoxia or respiratory distress, to raise the tissues’ oxygen supply.