Final answer:
Continuous monitoring of oxygenation and circulation is often necessary in medical situations, especially for patients with conditions like sleep apnea or carbon monoxide poisoning. A pulse oximeter is a commonly used device to monitor oxygen levels, while the administration of 100 percent oxygen is essential in treating carbon monoxide poisoning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether oxygenation or circulation monitoring should be continuous is highly pertinent in various medical contexts. Continuous monitoring is particularly vital in conditions such as sleep apnea, wherein the cessation of breath during sleep can lead to serious consequences such as stroke, heart failure, and in severe cases, sudden infant deaths (SID). Devices like a pulse oximeter are used to monitor oxygen saturation and are crucial for patients at risk for hypoxemia, which is a condition where blood oxygen is abnormally low. For conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, the administration of 100 percent oxygen is critical, as it helps to displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, allowing for re-oxygenation of the blood, whereas administering carbon dioxide would not have a beneficial effect.
Moreover, given the importance of systemic and pulmonary circulations in delivering oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide from the body, maintaining a close watch on these parameters can be lifesaving. Techniques that measure oxygen saturation, such as those based on pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, provide insights into a person's respiratory state and overall health, informing medical interventions when necessary.