What vital sign would indicate effective ventilation in a patient receiving oxygen therapy?

The indicator of effective ventilation in a patient receiving oxygen therapy is an improved oxygen saturation. When ventilation is effective, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs is optimized. This results in a higher percentage of oxygen in the blood, which is measured as oxygen saturation. A higher oxygen saturation indicates that the tissues and organs are receiving adequate oxygen, signaling that the ventilation process and the supplemental oxygen therapy are working effectively.

In contrast, stable blood pressure does not specifically indicate effective ventilation; it could remain consistent even if the patient is not ventilating well. An increased heart rate might occur due to various factors, including anxiety or hypoxia, rather than being a direct measure of effective ventilation. Similarly, a reduced respiratory rate could suggest that a patient is adequately ventilating without exertion, but it does not guarantee effective gas exchange; thus, it cannot solely determine the efficacy of ventilation. Improved oxygen saturation directly correlates with successful ventilation and gas exchange, making it the most relevant vital sign in this context.