Question

Which is true about the difference between hypoxemia and tissue hypoxia?

a) Hypoxemia is the same as tissue hypoxia.
b) Hypoxemia refers to low oxygen in the blood, while tissue hypoxia is low oxygen at the cellular level.
c) Tissue hypoxia occurs in the lungs, while hypoxemia occurs in the peripheral tissues.
d) Hypoxemia leads to higher oxygen levels in tissues.

Answer 1

Hypoxemia refers to low oxygen levels in the blood, while tissue hypoxia is a condition of low oxygen at the cellular or tissue level, which can occur even if blood oxygen levels are normal. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between hypoxemia and tissue hypoxia is significant in understanding oxygen distribution in the body. Hypoxemia refers to a condition where there is a low level of oxygen in the blood, which is often indicated by a low partial pressure of oxygen within the arterial blood.

This can be caused by issues related to lung function, such as poor ventilation or diffusion. On the other hand, tissue hypoxia occurs when there is an inadequate supply of oxygen at the cellular or tissue level. This can be due to various reasons, including hypoxemia, but can also occur even when blood oxygen levels are normal if there are issues with the circulation or the ability of the tissues to use oxygen.