In the context of oxygen therapy, what does FiO2 represent?

FiO2 represents the fraction of inspired oxygen, which indicates the concentration of oxygen in the air that is being inhaled. It is a crucial concept in oxygen therapy, as it helps to quantify how much oxygen is being administered to a patient compared to the normal atmospheric concentration, which is approximately 21%.

For example, if a patient is receiving supplemental oxygen that raises the FiO2 to 30%, it means that 30% of the gas mixture being inhaled consists of oxygen. Understanding FiO2 is essential for medical professionals when adjusting and monitoring oxygen delivery mechanisms for patients with respiratory issues, ensuring they receive adequate oxygen based on their clinical needs.

While the other options may seem related to oxygen therapy, they do not accurately define what FiO2 specifically represents.