During equine anesthesia, which monitoring parameter should be used to assess oxygenation continuously?

• A. Respiratory rate
• B. Pulse oximetry reading (oxygen saturation)
• C. Blood glucose
• D. Body temperature

Answer: (B)

Continuous assessment of oxygenation during equine anesthesia relies on pulse oximetry, which provides real-time SpO2. This measurement shows the percentage of hemoglobin bound with oxygen, directly reflecting how well blood is being oxygenated and available for tissues. Respiratory rate, while useful for gauging ventilation, does not reliably indicate oxygen delivery—patients can breathe at a normal rate yet have low oxygen saturation. Blood glucose and body temperature do not inform on the oxygen content in blood; they reflect metabolic status and heat balance, not oxygenation. Therefore, the pulse oximetry reading (oxygen saturation) is the best choice for continuous oxygenation monitoring.