What does SPO2 measure in terms of patient oxygenation status?

SPO2 specifically measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen. This value is crucial in assessing a patient's oxygenation status as it reflects the effectiveness of oxygen transport in the bloodstream. A normal SPO2 reading typically ranges from 95% to 100%, and values below this range can indicate inadequate oxygenation, requiring further evaluation and possibly intervention.

Monitoring SPO2 is essential in critical care settings, as it helps healthcare providers determine if a patient is receiving enough oxygen, guiding treatment decisions regarding supplementary oxygen or other respiratory support. The other options—ventilation rate, blood pressure, and pulse rate—represent different physiological parameters and do not directly relate to measuring oxygen saturation levels in the blood.