What is an important consideration when providing supplemental oxygen to newborns?

Monitoring oxygen saturation levels is crucial when providing supplemental oxygen to newborns because it helps to ensure that the infant is receiving the appropriate amount of oxygen without experiencing toxicity or hypoxia. Newborns, especially those who are preterm or have respiratory difficulties, are at a higher risk for complications related to both under- and over-saturation of oxygen. Keeping track of oxygen saturation levels allows healthcare providers to adjust the oxygen delivery as necessary and ensure that it stays within a safe and effective range, typically targeting oxygen saturation levels of 90% to 95% in most newborns.

Other considerations, while important, do not take precedence over the need for continuous monitoring of oxygen levels. Warming oxygen before delivery helps prevent hypothermia but is not as critical as monitoring. Limiting the duration of oxygen use is also significant but falls under the larger umbrella of monitoring and adjusting levels as guided by saturation readings. Administering oxygen only during feeding times is not an appropriate practice since newborns may need supplemental oxygen due to underlying respiratory conditions at times independent of feeding.