Final answer:
Patients with respiratory distress should be continuously administered high-concentration oxygen to help increase the rate of oxygen binding with hemoglobin. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used for certain medical conditions to enhance immune response and fight bacterial infections. Proper administration under medical supervision is essential due to risks of oxygen toxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients who should be continuously administered high-concentration oxygen according to the Oxygen Therapy Standard are those with respiratory distress. In the breathing process, oxygen (₂) binds with hemoglobin (Hb) to form oxyhemoglobin (₂Hb). The reaction is:
Hb(aq) + O₂(g) → HbO₂(aq).
Should oxygen levels in the blood drop too low, a state known as hypoxia can occur, leading to symptoms such as headaches and confusion. Those with heart disease, who may experience chest pain or angina when exposed to elevated levels of carbon monoxide (CO), can also benefit from high concentration oxygen therapy, particularly if they are under stress or exercising. High-concentration oxygen therapy is crucial in cases of shock, pneumonia, and other illnesses where the patient's oxygen supply is inadequate. Similarly, hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygen saturation in tissues, assists the immune response, and is toxic to certain strains of bacteria.
It is important to note that administering oxygen at a high concentration can be necessary in life-threatening situations or specific medical conditions, and should be done under medical supervision due to the potential risks associated with oxygen toxicity.