What distinguishes therapeutic use from diagnostic use in medical gases?

The distinction between therapeutic use and diagnostic use of medical gases lies primarily in their intended outcomes. Therapeutic use is focused on treating specific medical conditions; for example, oxygen therapy helps alleviate hypoxemia in patients with respiratory issues. This usage aims to restore normal physiological functions and improve patient health.

On the other hand, diagnostic use is intended for evaluation purposes. This can include administering gases to assess lung function, gas exchange efficiency, or other physiological parameters. For instance, a patient might undergo a pulmonary function test that involves inhalation of specific gases to gauge how well their lungs are performing.

Understanding these differences is essential in clinical practice, as healthcare providers must apply the correct gases in accordance with the patient's needs, whether for treatment or assessment. The other options incorrectly frame the relationship between therapeutic and diagnostic uses or misrepresent their roles in patient care.