Pathogenesis
Name one of the five mechanisms of hypoxemia.
Low FiO₂, hypoventilation, diffusion impairment, V/Q mismatch, or right-to-left shunt.
What is the normal oxygen saturation range in healthy adults?
95–100%.
What invasive test measures PaO₂ directly?
Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.
What is the first line of treatment for hypoxemia?
Oxygen therapy.
Which mechanism is the most common cause of hypoxemia?
V/Q mismatch.
Name one early symptom of hypoxemia.
Restlessness, anxiety, tachycardia, or tachypnea.
What simple, non-invasive test measures oxygen saturation?
Pulse oximetry.
Give one method of delivering oxygen to a patient.
Nasal cannula, face mask, non-rebreather mask, or mechanical ventilation.
In pulmonary embolism, which mechanism mainly causes hypoxemia?
Ventilation-perfusion mismatch (dead space effect).
What visible sign on the lips and fingers may occur in hypoxemia?
Cyanosis.
On ABG, what PaO₂ value indicates hypoxemia?
PaO₂ < 80 mmHg.
In pulmonary embolism, which class of drugs is used alongside oxygen to prevent further clots?
Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin).