In what situation should the therapist provide 100% O2?

Providing 100% oxygen is crucial in specific clinical scenarios, particularly when patients are at risk of hypoxemia or when immediate oxygenation support is needed. In the context of suctioning, if a patient's heart rate increases, it might indicate discomfort or compromised oxygenation during the procedure. Administering 100% oxygen can help ensure that the patient maintains adequate oxygenation, especially when their airway is temporarily interrupted.

While suctioning, it is possible to displace or irritate the airway, potentially causing transient hypoxia or tachycardia as a physiological response. Administering 100% oxygen helps to pre-emptively counteract any potential drops in oxygen saturation that may occur during this invasive procedure.

Other scenarios, such as after intubation or during mechanical ventilation, may also necessitate supplemental oxygen, but the administration of 100% oxygen is particularly critical when immediate restoration of oxygenation is essential, such as during suctioning when pulmonary secretions may lead to brief oxygen deprivation. Nebulization therapy may also require careful monitoring and sometimes supplemental oxygen depending on the patient's condition, but it does not typically necessitate the immediate provision of 100% O2 as a direct response to a vital sign change like suctioning does