Which vital sign indicates the amount of oxygen in the blood?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Temperature
• D. SP02 oxygen saturation

Answer: (D)

The vital sign that indicates the amount of oxygen in the blood is SP02 oxygen saturation. This measurement specifically evaluates how much oxygen is being carried by hemoglobin in the red blood cells compared to its maximum capacity, expressed as a percentage. A normal SP02 level typically ranges from 95% to 100% for healthy individuals, reflecting adequate oxygenation.

Heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature are important physiological parameters, but they do not directly measure oxygen levels in the blood. Heart rate indicates the number of times the heart beats per minute, reflecting cardiovascular function. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries, which is critical for assessing vascular health and perfusion. Temperature signifies the body’s thermoregulation and can indicate infection or illness but does not relate to oxygen saturation. Thus, SP02 is the vital sign specifically associated with monitoring oxygen levels in the blood.