What is one indication for administering oxygen besides low SPO2?

Administering oxygen can be indicated when a patient complains of dyspnea, or difficulty breathing. Dyspnea may signal underlying respiratory or cardiac issues, even if the blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels are normal. Patients with dyspnea may not have low SpO2 but still could benefit from supplemental oxygen to alleviate their sensation of breathlessness and support their respiratory function.

Oxygen therapy in this context can help improve the quality of life for the patient, allowing for easier breathing and potentially preventing a deterioration in their condition. It is important to assess the overall clinical picture, but addressing patient complaints such as dyspnea is a critical part of providing effective emergency care.

In contrast, conditions like hyperventilation are more complex and do not universally require oxygen therapy; oxygen might even be contraindicated in certain cases of hyperventilation. Signs of good perfusion indicate that the body is outputting adequate blood flow, so the need for supplemental oxygen wouldn't arise in those situations. Stable vital signs generally reflect the patient is not in immediate distress, thus making urgent oxygen administration unnecessary.