Final answer:
The oxygen saturation target for COPD patients according to the Oxygen Therapy Standard is generally between 88 to 92 percent to avoid over-oxygenation and its complications. Monitoring is primarily done with a pulse oximeter, and for more precise measurements, arterial blood gas analysis may be used.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oxygen Therapy Standard for COPD Patients
When treating patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), according to the Oxygen Therapy Standard, the target for oxygen saturation is typically set at a lower range than for individuals without COPD. Normal pulse oximeter readings range from 95 to 100 percent. However, in COPD patients, the goal is to maintain the oxygen saturation (often referred to as "percent sat") between approximately 88 to 92 percent. It is crucial to prevent over-oxygenating COPD patients, as too high of an oxygen saturation can lead to a diminished drive to breathe and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia).
Oxygen saturation is monitored using a pulse oximeter which sends two wavelengths of light through a part of the body, such as the fingertip, to measure the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen. When an arterial stick is performed to measure the oxygen, the results are expressed in terms of partial pressure of oxygen or pO2. This measurement is typically recorded in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), and while it provides a more accurate measure of oxygenation, it is more invasive than using a pulse oximeter.
For patients with oxygen levels that are below the suggested range, supplemental oxygen is provided to improve oxygenation and reduce the symptoms associated with hypoxemia or hypoxia. The administration of oxygen must be carefully monitored, particularly in COPD patients, to ensure that it achieves the therapeutic goal without causing adverse effects.