What is the primary reason for using oxygen therapy in respiratory care?

The primary reason for using oxygen therapy in respiratory care is to improve oxygenation in patients with hypoxia. Hypoxia refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, which can result from various conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, or other respiratory ailments.

By administering supplemental oxygen, the goal is to increase the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, thereby enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. This supplemental oxygen can help alleviate symptoms of hypoxia, reduce the work of breathing, and improve overall patient comfort and function, making it a fundamental component of respiratory care management.

In contrast, other choices do not reflect the primary therapeutic intention of oxygen therapy. Cooling airways is not a therapeutic goal of oxygen administration, and thickening mucus secretions is contrary to the intention of maintaining airway patency and facilitating clearances, such as through the use of medical interventions. The promotion of the cough reflex may be ancillary to oxygen therapy but is not the main purpose for its use.