Final answer:
Measurements useful for monitoring global oxygen balance in patients include percent saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen measured by a pulse oximeter and the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) observed through an arterial blood gas test. These values can diagnose hypoxemia and indicate metabolic or respiratory imbalances when combined with tests like pH, pCO2, and HCO3- levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Measurements of global oxygen balance that may be useful in monitoring the seriously ill patient include percent saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen and partial pressure of oxygen (pO2). Percent saturation is measured by a device known as a pulse oximeter, which provides readings typically ranging from 95-100 percent in healthy individuals. Lower percent saturation readings can indicate hypoxemia or low blood oxygen levels. Partial pressure of oxygen is directly monitored from free oxygen in the plasma, usually obtained via an arterial blood gas (ABG) test, and is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Additional lab tests that can indicate the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide balance include measurements of blood pH, CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3-). These can help diagnose conditions such as acidosis and alkalosis, revealing if the imbalance is due to respiratory or metabolic causes and if compensatory mechanisms are functioning.