Final answer:
Women over 20 weeks pregnant showing signs of hypoxaemia should be immediately hospitalized, where their oxygenation status can be safely managed. Premature infants need supplemental oxygen due to underdeveloped lungs. Devin's case of mild contractions without dilation typically does not require hospital stay.
Step-by-step explanation:
All women with evidence of hypoxaemia who are more than 20 weeks pregnant should be approached with immediate hospitalization for further assessment and management. Hypoxemia in pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus due to the potential effects on fetal oxygenation. The appropriate management typically involves hospitalization where the oxygenation status can be closely monitored and supplemental oxygen can be provided as needed in a controlled manner. High dose oxygen or standard oxygen administration depends on the severity of the hypoxemia as determined by medical professionals.
Premature infants may require supplemental oxygen because their lungs are not fully developed, and they may have difficulty obtaining enough oxygen on their own. In the scenario provided with Devin, they are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, which are not indicative of the onset of labor as the mucus plug and cervix show no signs of dilatation; thus returning home is a reasonable suggestion. When dealing with potential carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen therapy is critical as it hastens the dissociation of carbon monoxide from carboxyhemoglobin, turning it back into functioning hemoglobin, which is vitally important for both pregnant women and their developing babies.