Hypoxemia is defined as which of the following?

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Prepare for the AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing Test. Study with multiple choice questions and thorough explanations. Ace your test effortlessly!

Multiple Choice

Hypoxemia is defined as which of the following?

Explanation:
Hypoxemia means there is not enough oxygen in the arterial blood. Oxygen travels in the blood in two forms: dissolved in plasma (PaO2) and bound to hemoglobin (CaO2). When arterial oxygen content falls, tissues may not receive adequate oxygen even if circulation is intact. This can occur from factors like low inspired oxygen, hypoventilation, diffusion problems, ventilation–perfusion mismatch, or shunting. Clinically, PaO2 below about 80 mmHg is considered abnormal, and PaO2 around 60 mmHg often accompanies significant hypoxemia with lower SaO2. The other options describe too much oxygen, normal oxygen saturation, or elevated carbon dioxide, none of which define hypoxemia.

Hypoxemia means there is not enough oxygen in the arterial blood. Oxygen travels in the blood in two forms: dissolved in plasma (PaO2) and bound to hemoglobin (CaO2). When arterial oxygen content falls, tissues may not receive adequate oxygen even if circulation is intact. This can occur from factors like low inspired oxygen, hypoventilation, diffusion problems, ventilation–perfusion mismatch, or shunting. Clinically, PaO2 below about 80 mmHg is considered abnormal, and PaO2 around 60 mmHg often accompanies significant hypoxemia with lower SaO2. The other options describe too much oxygen, normal oxygen saturation, or elevated carbon dioxide, none of which define hypoxemia.

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