What is the purpose of oxygen therapy in CPR?

The primary purpose of oxygen therapy in CPR is to provide oxygen when the patient is not breathing adequately. During cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, the body's cells are deprived of oxygen, which is crucial for survival. Administering oxygen helps to ensure that vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, receive the oxygen they need to function, thereby improving the chances of recovery and minimizing potential damage due to oxygen deprivation.

While warmth and circulation are important factors in overall patient care, they are not the primary focus of oxygen therapy during CPR. Additionally, sedation is not an appropriate use of oxygen in this context, as the goal is to enhance oxygen delivery to the body's tissues rather than to alter the patient's level of consciousness.