Which condition is primarily assessed when measuring SpO2 levels?

The assessment of SpO2 levels primarily focuses on the oxygenation status of the patient. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive tool used to measure the saturation of hemoglobin in the blood with oxygen. A normal SpO2 reading indicates that adequate oxygen is being transported throughout the body, which is crucial for cellular metabolism and overall health.

Measuring SpO2 is especially vital in determining how effectively oxygen is being delivered to tissues, which can indicate whether a patient is experiencing hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen in the blood). Conditions that affect the oxygenation status can include respiratory diseases, alterations in ventilation-perfusion processes, and various forms of hypoxia. Therefore, a correct SpO2 reading directly reflects the patient’s oxygenation status, highlighting its significance in clinical assessment and decision-making.