When can treatment be resumed after a first O2 toxicity symptom subsides?

When considering the resumption of treatment after the symptoms of oxygen toxicity have subsided, it is crucial to follow established protocols to ensure patient safety and minimize risks. Typically, a waiting period of 15 minutes is recommended. This interval allows for the body to recover from the effects of oxygen toxicity, during which the excess oxygen can be metabolized and the physiological effects properly managed.

Resuming treatment immediately may put the patient at risk for re-exposure to oxygen toxicity symptoms, as the underlying issues may not have resolved completely. A longer wait time, such as 30 minutes, may extend the interruption of necessary treatments unnecessarily, potentially delaying care when it’s needed.

Thus, a 15-minute pause strikes a balance: it provides enough time for symptoms to stabilize while allowing for timely resumption of treatment.