If a patient's PaO2 is less than 60 mmHg, what is the recommended intervention?

• A. Administer supplemental oxygen
• B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• C. Perform chest physiotherapy
• D. Increase physical activity

Answer: (A)

When a patient's partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg, it indicates severe hypoxemia, which can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. In such cases, administering supplemental oxygen is a critical intervention to help restore normal oxygen levels in the blood, improve tissue oxygenation, and prevent potential complications associated with severe oxygen deprivation.

Supplemental oxygen increases the amount of oxygen available for gas exchange in the lungs, thereby raising PaO2 levels while alleviating the patient's symptoms related to hypoxia, such as confusion, shortness of breath, or increased heart rate. This intervention is usually immediate and necessary in acute settings to stabilize the patient's condition.

The other options may have their uses in different circumstances, but they do not directly address the urgent need to correct dangerously low oxygen levels. Deep breathing exercises can help improve lung function and inspire better ventilation, but they are not sufficient in addressing severe hypoxemia on their own. Chest physiotherapy may aid in clearing secretions and improving lung function but does not directly increase oxygen levels. Increasing physical activity is generally not advisable until adequate oxygenation is achieved, as exertion could exacerbate hypoxia and worsen the patient's condition.