What is the likely result of failing to monitor a patient’s oxygen saturation adequately?

Failing to monitor a patient's oxygen saturation adequately can lead to delayed detection of hypoxemia, which is a condition characterized by a deficiency of oxygen in the blood. Oxygen saturation levels provide critical information about a patient’s pulmonary status and their ability to oxygenate effectively.

When oxygen saturation is not monitored, healthcare providers may miss early signs of hypoxia, which can result in severe complications if not addressed promptly. Hypoxemia can lead to worsening respiratory distress, increased workload on the heart, and, ultimately, organ dysfunction if oxygen levels remain low for an extended period.

Timely monitoring allows for immediate interventions such as supplemental oxygen or adjustments to ventilation strategies, which can prevent further deterioration of the patient’s condition. In contrast, improved patient comfort, enhanced lung function, and reduced respiratory rates are outcomes that would not realistically result from inadequate monitoring, as these choices suggest more favorable states that are not achievable without proper assessment and intervention.