Final answer:
The target oxygen saturation for oxygen therapy should be between 90-94% to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation without the risk of oxygen toxicity. Monitoring is done using a pulse oximeter which measures the 'percent sat' of hemoglobin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The target oxygen saturation for patients receiving oxygen therapy, according to the Oxygen Therapy Standard, should be 90-94%. This range ensures adequate oxygenation of tissues without the risks associated with higher concentrations, such as oxygen toxicity. Oxygen saturation is typically monitored using a pulse oximeter, which measures the percentage of hemoglobin sites occupied by oxygen in a patient's blood, indicating the efficiency of their oxygen transport.
Both hypoventilation and hypoxemia can result in insufficient hemoglobin saturation, leading to potentially dangerous conditions like anemia and hypoxia. Managing oxygen delivery is a careful balance, as too little oxygen can cause hypoxemia and too much can lead to oxygen toxicity. Healthcare providers focus on maintaining the saturation within the target range to ensure proper tissue oxygenation and avoid complications.