Final answer:
The normal oxygen saturation level at a partial pressure of 100 mmHg ranges from 95 to 100 percent. A pulse oximeter is used to gauge this, by emitting light and measuring hemoglobin absorption. The S-shaped curve of oxygen saturation levels off around 60 mmHg since hemoglobin is nearing full saturation with oxygen at this partial pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal oxygen saturation level at a partial pressure of 100 mmHg is typically between 95-100 percent. This saturation level can be monitored using a device known as a pulse oximeter, which is usually placed on a thin part of the body, like a fingertip. The oximeter works by emitting two wavelengths of light and measuring how they are absorbed by hemoglobin, which varies depending on its oxygen saturation. The oximeter's data output gives us the percent saturation of oxygen in hemoglobin. When looking at the relationship between oxygen partial pressure and hemoglobin saturation, a graph shows us an S-shaped curve. As the partial pressure of oxygen reaches around 60 mmHg, this curve begins to level off, indicating that hemoglobin is becoming fully saturated with oxygen. Beyond this point, increases in partial pressure result in smaller increases in oxygen saturation because hemoglobin is almost fully saturated.