Which of the following is an indicator of oxygenation?

Hemoglobin saturation is a crucial indicator of oxygenation because it directly reflects the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is bound to oxygen. This measurement provides vital information about how effectively oxygen is being transported to the tissues from the lungs. High levels of hemoglobin saturation indicate that a sufficient amount of oxygen is available in the bloodstream, while low saturation levels can suggest hypoxemia, where there is an inadequate supply of oxygen in the blood.

Tidal volume measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing, which relates more to ventilation than to oxygenation status. Heart rhythm refers to the electrical activity of the heart and is important for assessing cardiac function, but it does not specifically indicate how well oxygen is being delivered to the tissues. Pulse strength provides some information about circulation but does not give direct information on oxygen levels. Thus, hemoglobin saturation is the most direct and reliable indication of a patient’s oxygenation status.