SpO2 targets for COPD patients on oxygen may differ from the standard target; which statement is accurate?

• A. SpO2 targets must always be 94-99% in all patients
• B. For COPD, targets should be 85-89%
• C. SpO2 targets may be adjusted away from 94-99% in COPD
• D. COPD requires targets above 99%

Answer: (C)

SpO2 targets can be individualized in COPD because long‑term oxygen therapy aims to prevent hypoxemia while avoiding too much oxygen that can blunt the drive to breathe in patients who retain CO2. In many COPD patients who chronically CO2 retain, a target around 88–92% is preferred rather than pushing to the higher 94–99% range. This is why the statement that SpO2 targets may be adjusted away from 94–99% in COPD is correct. The other options imply universal or extreme targets that aren’t appropriate for COPD—COPD patients aren’t automatically kept at 94–99%, and targets like 85–89% or above 99% aren’t standard practice.