Titrating to 88-92% helps prevent what two adverse outcomes?

• A. Oxygen-induced hypercapnia and mortality
• B. Hypoxemia and dehydration
• C. Hyperoxia-induced fever
• D. Hypothermia and arrhythmia

Answer: (A)

The key idea is balancing oxygen therapy in patients who are prone to CO2 retention, such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you give too much oxygen, the drive to breathe can drop because the body relies less on low oxygen levels to stimulate respiration. This can lead to hypoventilation, rising carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), and in severe cases, can worsen outcomes or increase mortality. Targeting an SpO2 of about 88–92% helps keep enough oxygen in the blood to prevent hypoxemia while avoiding excessive oxygen that could drive CO2 retention. The outcome you’re protecting against with this approach is oxygen-induced hypercapnia and the associated risk of death. The other paired outcomes listed don’t reflect the primary, well-established risk linked to conservative oxygen titration in this patient group.