Which of the following indicates a need for oxygen therapy?

Study for the Denver Health EMT Practice Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with helpful hints and explanations. Get set to ace your exam!

The correct answer indicates a need for oxygen therapy due to the patient's shortness of breath. This symptom often signifies that an individual is not getting enough oxygen, which could result from various underlying medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or even heart-related issues.

When a patient experiences shortness of breath, it implies that their body may not be receiving adequate oxygen supply, leading to potential hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). Administering oxygen in such cases can help improve the patient's oxygen saturation and overall respiratory function, alleviating distress and preventing complications.

Stable oxygen saturation, a low respiratory rate, and clear lung sounds typically indicate that the patient's respiratory status is within normal limits, and they may not require supplemental oxygen. These factors suggest that despite the absence of concerning symptoms, or adequate function of the respiratory system, oxygen therapy would not be necessary.

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