How should a respiratory therapist assess the effectiveness of supplemental oxygen for a patient?

• A. Through physical examination only
• B. By using capillary refill time
• C. Using pulse oximetry and clinical signs
• D. Reviewing patient history

Answer: (C)

The effectiveness of supplemental oxygen for a patient can be accurately assessed using pulse oximetry and clinical signs. Pulse oximetry provides a non-invasive measurement of the oxygen saturation of a patient's hemoglobin, which is vital for determining whether the supplemental oxygen is achieving its intended purpose of increasing blood oxygen levels.

In addition to pulse oximetry, clinical signs such as respiratory rate, work of breathing, and overall patient comfort can help gauge whether the supplemental oxygen is making a positive difference in the patient’s condition. For example, a decrease in respiratory distress or improvement in mental status can indicate effective oxygen therapy.

Using physical examination alone would not provide concrete data on oxygen saturation levels, and relying solely on capillary refill time does not give a comprehensive picture of a patient's oxygenation status. A patient's history, while essential in informing treatment, does not directly assess the ongoing effectiveness of supplemental oxygen at the moment. Thus, combining pulse oximetry with clinical observations ensures a thorough and effective assessment of oxygen therapy.