What is the purpose of supplemental oxygen therapy in impaired gas exchange?

• A. To cure pneumonia
• B. To reduce heart rate
• C. To meet tissue oxygen demands by increasing PaO2
• D. To cause drowsiness

Answer: (C)

Supplemental oxygen therapy is used to improve tissue oxygenation when gas exchange is impaired. By raising the arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), more oxygen is dissolved in the plasma and more can be delivered to tissues, helping to meet their oxygen demands even when the lungs aren’t transferring oxygen efficiently. This supports tissue perfusion and prevents hypoxic injury while the underlying cause is treated. It’s not a cure for pneumonia or other lung diseases, and it isn’t intended to induce drowsiness or directly lower heart rate; its primary role is to enhance oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.