What does an oxygen analyzer measure?

An oxygen analyzer is specifically designed to measure the concentration of oxygen in a gas mixture. This instrument provides crucial information about the percentage of oxygen in the blend being delivered to a patient, which is vital for ensuring that the patient receives the appropriate level of oxygen during anesthesia. Accurate measurement of oxygen concentration is essential in both sedative practices and general anesthesia to avoid complications associated with hypoxia or excessive oxygen levels.

The other choices involve different aspects of gas flow and properties. For instance, measuring flow rate pertains to the volume of gas passing through, while pressure relates to the force exerted by the gas and is typically measured using pressure gauges. Temperature measurements deal with the heat level of the gases, which is not the primary function of an oxygen analyzer. Thus, choice C stands out as the correct answer because it directly corresponds to the essential function of an oxygen analyzer in clinical practice.