Oxygen therapy in NSTEMI should be given only under what condition?

• A. Always
• B. If chest pain
• C. Patient request
• D. Oxygen only if SpO2 < 90%

Answer: (D)

Oxygen therapy in NSTEMI is used only when there is true hypoxemia, not as a routine measure for every patient. The best approach is to administer supplemental oxygen only if the blood oxygen saturation is below 90% (SpO2 < 90%) or if the patient shows clear signs of respiratory distress or hypoxemia. When oxygenation is already adequate, giving oxygen does not improve outcomes and can potentially cause harm from hyperoxia, so it’s avoided.

So, the option indicating oxygen should be given only if SpO2 is less than 90% aligns with the evidence-based practice. Administering oxygen just because of chest pain or at patient request, or giving it to all NSTEMI patients, do not reflect the targeted, beneficial use of oxygen and are not supported when there is no hypoxemia.