What is a common clinical application of oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy is commonly used to support patients with breathing difficulties, making this the correct choice. In clinical settings, it is administered to patients experiencing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where their ability to get adequate oxygen into the bloodstream is compromised.

The therapy helps improve oxygen saturation levels, alleviating symptoms of hypoxia, which is when tissue and organs do not receive enough oxygen to function optimally. By providing supplementary oxygen, healthcare providers can enhance the patient's respiratory function, supporting them during recovery or management of their underlying health conditions.

Other options do not align with the primary application of oxygen therapy. Treating dehydration requires the administration of fluids rather than oxygen. While some athletes use oxygen in specific training contexts, this is not a standard clinical application. Additionally, oxygen therapy does not play a role in temperature regulation, as body temperature management typically involves other medical interventions.