During CPAP titration, if SpO2 values are between 80 and 85% at 10 CM H2O without respiratory events, what should the technician do?

During CPAP titration, if SpO2 values are between 80 and 85% at 10 CM H2O without respiratory events, what should the technician do?

• A. Increase CPAP pressure
• B. Observe without intervention
• C. Follow protocol for supplemental oxygen
• D. Switch to Bi-level therapy

Answer: (C)

In the scenario where SpO2 values are between 80 and 85% at 10 CM H2O without respiratory events, following the protocol for supplemental oxygen is an appropriate action. Maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is crucial for patient well-being, and values below 90% are generally considered a clinical concern, especially in the context of sleep studies where hypoxemia can occur. Using supplemental oxygen can help to raise SpO2 levels to a safer range, ensuring the patient's oxygenation is optimized while continuing the CPAP titration process. This approach allows for the potential continuation of CPAP therapy while also addressing any immediate hypoxemia concerns. Adjusting CPAP pressure may not be the best choice if there are no respiratory events, as increasing pressure can sometime lead to discomfort or intolerance for the patient. Simply observing without intervention would neglect the critical need to address low oxygen saturation. Switching to Bi-level therapy typically represents a more significant change in management and may not be necessary in this scenario unless other clinical indicators warrant it.

In the scenario where SpO2 values are between 80 and 85% at 10 CM H2O without respiratory events, following the protocol for supplemental oxygen is an appropriate action. Maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is crucial for patient well-being, and values below 90% are generally considered a clinical concern, especially in the context of sleep studies where hypoxemia can occur.

Using supplemental oxygen can help to raise SpO2 levels to a safer range, ensuring the patient's oxygenation is optimized while continuing the CPAP titration process. This approach allows for the potential continuation of CPAP therapy while also addressing any immediate hypoxemia concerns.

Adjusting CPAP pressure may not be the best choice if there are no respiratory events, as increasing pressure can sometime lead to discomfort or intolerance for the patient. Simply observing without intervention would neglect the critical need to address low oxygen saturation. Switching to Bi-level therapy typically represents a more significant change in management and may not be necessary in this scenario unless other clinical indicators warrant it.