What is the purpose of monitoring a patient's O2 saturation in recovery?

Monitoring a patient's oxygen saturation in recovery is primarily done to assess airway patency. This is crucial because during recovery from anesthesia, patients may experience airway obstruction due to various factors such as residual effects of sedation, the position of the tongue, or secretions in the airway. By closely monitoring oxygen saturation levels, healthcare providers can quickly identify if a patient is not adequately ventilating or if there is a compromised airway. Low oxygen saturation levels can indicate that the patient's airway is not patent, prompting immediate intervention to ensure the airway is clear and the patient is receiving sufficient oxygen.

While the other options are also important aspects of patient care, they do not directly relate to the key reason for monitoring O2 saturation. Determining readiness for discharge and maintaining proper medication intake are important but are typically assessed after establishing the patient's stability, including the adequacy of their oxygenation. Providing relaxation therapy is not a direct reason for monitoring oxygen saturation during recovery.