Final answer:
The patient's primary issue is hypoxemia indicated by an SpO2 of 88%, which should be addressed by administering high-flow oxygen to raise their oxygen saturation levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the management of a patient with a rapid respiratory rate and low oxygen saturation as measured by a pulse oximeter. The patient's breathing rate of 34 breaths/min is significantly higher than the normal range of 12-15 breaths/min, suggesting hyperventilation. Additionally, the SpO2 of 88% indicates that the patient is suffering from hypoxemia, which is a lower than normal level of oxygen in the blood. It is essential to address the oxygenation of the patient first. You would typically start with administering high-flow oxygen to increase the percent saturation of hemoglobin and combat hypoxemia.
Percent saturation, or 'percent sat', is critical as it represents the percentage of hemoglobin sites occupied by oxygen in a patient's blood. A pulse oximeter employs two wavelengths of light to assess this, providing an indirect but effective means of monitoring oxygenation levels. Normal readings range from 95-100%, making the patient's 88% a cause for concern. In a medical emergency like this, immediate oxygen therapy is the first priority to improve the patient’s oxygen levels and prevent further complications such as anoxia or organ failure. Subsequent steps may include assessing the underlying cause and adjusting the approach accordingly.