Final answer:
The next step when a patient has an O2 saturation reading of 90% or below should be to administer supplemental oxygen. This is critical to prevent tissue hypoxia by increasing the oxygen level in the patient's blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient has an O2 saturation reading of 90% or below, the next step should be to administer supplemental oxygen. This immediate intervention is crucial because it can help to increase the level of oxygen in the patient's bloodstream, thereby preventing the tissues from becoming hypoxic. Oxygen therapy is typically provided using a mask or nasal cannula, and the exact method and concentration of oxygen will be determined based on the patient's specific needs and underlying condition.
A pulse oximeter is used to monitor percent saturation, which indicates the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. Normal pulse oximeter readings range from 95-100 percent. Readings below 95% can indicate hypoxemia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood and can lead to tissue hypoxia if not addressed quickly.
Therefore, when faced with a patient who exhibits a low O2 saturation, it is not appropriate to administer pain medication, increase fluid intake, or perform a chest X-ray as the first step. Instead, introducing supplemental oxygen can help correct the immediate issue of low blood oxygen. The other options might be considered after stabilizing the patient's oxygen levels or based on additional symptoms or diagnostic results.