Final answer:
A pulse oximetry reading of 97% on room air after nasal cannula removal reflects a normal physiologic outcome, showing the body's ability to maintain oxygen levels independently.
Step-by-step explanation:
The client's pulse oximetry reading of 97% on room air 30 minutes after the removal of a nasal cannula is an example of a physiologic outcome. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method to monitor the oxygen saturation level in the blood. A pulse oximeter works by emitting two wavelengths of light through a body part like a finger and measures the light absorption by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin to provide a percent saturation. Normal readings range from 95-100%. When a patient maintains such a normal oxygen saturation level on room air after the removal of supplementary oxygenation, it reflects the body's adequate physiologic response to maintain oxygenation independently.