What is required prior to administering medical oxygen?

Before administering medical oxygen, conducting an initial assessment is crucial. This assessment involves evaluating the patient's condition, identifying any signs of respiratory distress, and understanding the overall clinical picture. By performing an initial assessment, a responder can determine the appropriateness of oxygen therapy based on the patient's need for supplemental oxygen.

This process includes checking vital signs, identifying the presence of any respiratory issues, and examining the patient's overall responsiveness. A thorough initial assessment helps ensure that any medical intervention, including oxygen administration, is safe and aligned with the specific needs of the patient.

In contrast, while patient consent is important in medical care, the urgency of many situations may not always allow for it to be obtained explicitly prior to administration of oxygen. The presence of severe pain does not directly correlate with a need for oxygen unless the pain is related to a respiratory issue. Additionally, an oxygen saturation level of 90% or higher typically indicates sufficient oxygenation, suggesting that oxygen might not be necessary at that level and further assessment is required to determine the need for intervention.