What is the desired oxygen saturation level when providing supplemental oxygen?

The desired oxygen saturation level when providing supplemental oxygen is greater than 90%. This target ensures that the patient's tissues are receiving adequate oxygen, which is crucial in preventing hypoxia—a condition where there is insufficient oxygen reaching the tissues. Maintaining oxygen saturation above this threshold is particularly important in trauma and critical care settings, where optimal oxygen delivery can significantly affect outcomes.

Oxygen saturation levels lower than this can indicate compromised respiratory function or inadequate oxygenation, which can lead to further complications. Therefore, setting the goal for greater than 90% helps to safeguard against these risks and supports the patient's overall physiological stability.