What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy?

The primary goal of oxygen therapy is to increase oxygen levels in the blood. This therapy is indicated for patients with conditions that result in hypoxemia, or low levels of oxygen in the bloodstream, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or heart failure. Administering supplemental oxygen helps to enhance the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood, thereby improving tissue oxygenation and supporting overall cellular metabolism.

Increasing oxygen levels in the blood can alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties that arise from hypoxia. By addressing these complications, oxygen therapy significantly improves a patient’s quality of life and can prevent serious health issues related to insufficient oxygenation.

The other options focus on unrelated physiological functions and conditions that do not align with the primary purpose of oxygen therapy. Hydration pertains to fluid balance rather than oxygen levels, reducing blood pressure can involve various medical interventions unrelated to oxygen therapy, and stimulating appetite does not directly relate to the therapeutic aim of oxygen administration in clinical practice.