When should a patient on oxygen therapy have their arterial blood gases (ABGs) checked?

Checking a patient's arterial blood gases (ABGs) after any significant change in their therapy, clinical status, or if they show signs of distress is essential for several reasons.

First, ABGs provide critical information about the patient’s oxygenation and ventilation status. When a patient is receiving oxygen therapy, it is vital to assess the effectiveness of the therapy in improving their blood oxygen levels and ensuring that carbon dioxide is being adequately removed from the body. Significant changes in therapy, such as increasing or decreasing the oxygen flow rate, switching to a different delivery device, or altering the mode of ventilation, can significantly affect gas exchange. Monitoring ABGs helps healthcare providers adjust the therapy to improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, if the patient experiences changes in their clinical status, such as new symptoms, deteriorating vital signs, or signs of respiratory distress (like increased work of breathing or altered mental status), it is crucial to obtain ABGs. These results help determine whether the patient is responding appropriately to therapy, if there are any complications arising from the treatments, or if the patient requires additional interventions.

In contrast, checking ABGs only after discharge, before starting therapy, or after a week of therapy does not allow for timely adjustments and monitoring of the patient’s current condition,