Question

Hypoxemia can be caused by which of the following?

1. diffusion impairment
2. alveolar hypoventilation
3. V/Q mismatch
4. intrapulmonary shunting

a. 1, 2, and 3
b. 1, 3, and 4
c. 1, 2, 3, and 4
d. 2, 3, and 4

Answer 1

Hypoxemia can be caused by diffusion impairment, alveolar hypoventilation, and V/Q mismatch.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is a. 1, 2, and 3. Hypoxemia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood, can be caused by diffusion impairment, alveolar hypoventilation, and V/Q mismatch. Diffusion impairment refers to a decrease in the ability of oxygen to move from the alveoli into the bloodstream. Alveolar hypoventilation is a condition where there is a decrease in the amount of fresh air reaching the alveoli. V/Q mismatch refers to a mismatch between ventilation (air reaching the alveoli) and perfusion (blood flow to the alveoli).