How are patients monitored during hyperbaric therapy?

Monitoring patients during hyperbaric therapy is crucial to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. The use of vital signs and oxygen saturation is essential because these parameters provide real-time information about the patient's physiological status. Vital signs, which include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, help monitor the basic functions of the body during the therapy. Oxygen saturation, measured by pulse oximetry, is particularly important in hyperbaric therapy as it assesses the patient's oxygen levels in the blood, ensuring that they are receiving adequate oxygen while under increased pressure conditions.

Routine blood tests, while valuable in certain circumstances, are not typically employed for continuous monitoring during the therapy itself. Observing a patient's mood may provide some information about their psychological state but does not give critical insights into their immediate physical health during the procedure. Temperature checks alone are insufficient, as they do not encompass the full range of vital signs necessary for comprehensive monitoring.

Thus, the combination of vital signs and oxygen saturation is essential for effective monitoring during hyperbaric therapy, allowing for timely interventions if any abnormalities are detected.