**Core Concept**
In a healthy individual, arterial oxygen saturation is a key indicator of oxygen delivery to tissues. SpOβ (saturation of oxygen in arterial blood) reflects the percentage of hemoglobin bound to oxygen and is closely linked to alveolar gas exchange and pulmonary function.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
A normal arterial oxygen saturation is generally considered satisfactory when SpOβ is β₯90%. This threshold ensures adequate oxygenation of hemoglobin, preventing hypoxemia and maintaining tissue oxygenation. Values below 90% may indicate respiratory or cardiovascular compromise, even if the patient is asymptomatic. The standard clinical benchmark for normal oxygen saturation is set at 90β100%, with 90% being the minimum acceptable level in healthy individuals.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
Option A: 80 β This is dangerously low and indicates severe hypoxemia, commonly seen in respiratory failure or pulmonary disease, not normal health.
Option B: 85 β This is below the normal threshold and may suggest mild hypoxemia, not a satisfactory level in healthy individuals.
Option D: Any of the above β Incorrect because only 90% meets the accepted standard for normal oxygen saturation; lower values are not considered satisfactory.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In clinical practice, SpOβ β₯90% is the accepted normal limit in healthy adults. Values below 90% warrant investigation for respiratory or cardiovascular causes, especially in patients with symptoms like dyspnea or fatigue.
β Correct Answer: C. 90
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