Final answer:
An acceptable oxygen saturation rate (SaO₂) during exercise is 95-100 percent, measured using a pulse oximeter; levels below this may indicate hypoxemia, reflecting low blood oxygen levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
An acceptable oxygen saturation rate (SaO₂) to maintain throughout the exercise period is typically between 95 to 100 percent. This range indicates that hemoglobin is adequately saturated with oxygen, which is essential for the oxygenation of tissues during physical activity. The primary tool for measuring SaO₂ is a pulse oximeter, a non-invasive device that clips onto a thin part of the body, such as a fingertip, and uses light wavelengths to determine oxygen saturation levels. Lower readings may indicate hypoxemia, which is a concern as it represents low blood oxygen levels. Oxygen levels can also be directly monitored from free oxygen in the plasma, usually determined by an arterial stick and expressed in partial pressures as pO2 in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).