Which SpO2 target range is typical for COPD patients?

• A. 88-92%
• B. 94-98%
• C. 90-95%
• D. 96-100%

Answer: (A)

In COPD, the goal of oxygen therapy is to provide enough oxygen to prevent hypoxemia without driving out CO2 or suppressing the patient’s drive to breathe. COPD patients can chronically retain CO2, so giving too much oxygen can worsen hypercapnia and lead to respiratory acidosis. Keeping SpO2 in the 88–92% range strikes that balance: it minimizes the risk of CO2 retention while still preventing dangerous low oxygen levels.

Targets higher than that, such as 94–98% or 96–100%, can push oxygen levels into ranges that may worsen CO2 retention and ventilation–perfusion mismatch in COPD lungs. A range around 90–95% is closer, but the safer, commonly used goal in many COPD patients is 88–92% unless there are specific reasons to adjust.