Which of the following is an essential therapy for a child with cystic fibrosis experiencing low oxygen saturation?

In the context of cystic fibrosis, children often experience complications that lead to low oxygen saturation due to thickened secretions and airway obstruction, which can impede normal gas exchange. Oxygen therapy is considered an essential intervention in this scenario because it directly addresses the hypoxia by supplementing the oxygen levels in the blood.

Providing oxygen helps to improve tissue oxygenation, which is critical in maintaining normal physiological function, especially in children whose lungs may be significantly compromised by the disease. Utilizing oxygen therapy can stabilize the child's condition while other supportive treatments are also being implemented to manage the underlying pulmonary issues associated with cystic fibrosis.

While adequate rest, encouragement of physical activity, and hydration are all important aspects of managing cystic fibrosis and can contribute positively to overall health, they do not directly correct low oxygen saturation. Adequate rest can help reduce the metabolic demands on the body, and staying hydrated is essential for thinning mucus secretions, but these approaches do not provide the immediate improvement in oxygen saturation that oxygen therapy does. Encouraging physical activity is beneficial for lung function but must be balanced with the child's current respiratory status, particularly when they are experiencing low oxygen levels.