Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

Once a patient's oxygen saturation drops below 50%, what is the estimated percentage chance of mortality?

1. 25%

2. 10%

3. 20%

4. 12%

The correct answer is: 12%

When a patient's oxygen saturation drops below 50%, this signifies a critical level of hypoxemia, which has been associated with a high risk of mortality. Research indicates that patients who experience an oxygen saturation at this threshold face a substantial increase in their risk of death. In general clinical guidelines and studies, the estimated chance of mortality in such circumstances has been determined to be around 12%. This figure is derived from clinical observations and statistical analyses that evaluate the outcomes of patients with severely compromised oxygen levels. The risk is significantly heightened due to the underlying conditions that often cause such a severe drop in oxygen saturation, which can include respiratory failure, severe pneumonia, or advanced lung disease. Understanding the critical nature of oxygen saturation levels is essential for healthcare providers, as timely interventions can impact the patient's outcome significantly. The mortality rates linked to specific saturation levels also highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and rapid response protocols in patient care.