Which situation best illustrates tissue hypoxia rather than hypoxemia alone?

Correct answer: B. Normal arterial oxygen with severe circulatory shock

  • A. A low arterial oxygen level in a patient with pneumonia
  • B. Normal arterial oxygen with severe circulatory shock
  • C. A low oxygen saturation caused by airway obstruction
  • D. Reduced arterial oxygen after a large pulmonary embolus

Explanation

Hypoxia means inadequate oxygen at the tissue level and can occur when tissue perfusion or oxygen use is impaired, even if arterial oxygen is normal. Hypoxemia specifically means reduced oxygen in arterial blood, as occurs in pneumonia or pulmonary embolism.

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About Respiratory Nursing

Covers nursing assessment and management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleural disorders and respiratory failure. Key areas include breath sounds, oxygen therapy, airway suctioning, inhaled medicines, arterial blood gases and the difference between hypoxia, hypoxemia and carbon dioxide retention.

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