What is the significance of measuring oxygen saturation in patients?

Measuring oxygen saturation is critical in evaluating the effectiveness of ventilation. Oxygen saturation levels indicate the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream that are occupied by oxygen. When ventilation is effective, oxygen levels in the blood are typically within a normal range, suggesting that the patient is receiving adequate oxygen and removing carbon dioxide efficiently.

This monitoring is especially crucial in various clinical settings, such as during surgery or in patients with respiratory issues, as it helps determine if additional oxygen support is needed or if the patient's ventilatory function is compromised. In contrast, assessing lung capacity, monitoring respiratory rate, or determining blood pressure do not directly provide insights about the oxygen delivery and the respiratory efficiency in the same manner that oxygen saturation does. Thus, oxygen saturation measurement is vital for guiding clinical interventions related to ventilation and oxygenation.