What is the typical SpO2 target range for most adults, and which condition may require a lower target?

• A. 92-96% normally; COPD may be 88-92%
• B. 94-99% normally; COPD may be 88-92%
• C. 97-100% normally; COPD may be 90-94%
• D. 95-99% normally; COPD may be 85-90%

Answer: (B)

Oxygen saturation targets are about delivering enough oxygen to tissues while avoiding excessive oxygen that can cause harm, especially in certain lung conditions. For most adults, keeping SpO2 in the mid to upper 90s—roughly 94-99%—ensures good oxygen delivery without pushing levels too high. In COPD, particularly when there’s chronic CO2 retention, a lower target is often preferred to support proper ventilation and avoid suppressing the drive to breathe; 88-92% is commonly used in this context.

Other ranges that push normal values higher (like 97-100% or 95-99%) don’t account for the need to balance ventilation in COPD, and targets like 85-90% are too low for most patients and risk hypoxemia. So the pairing of normal 94-99% with COPD-may-88-92% reflects the general guidance.