Question

Extremely low blood pressure, or _________ , can be life threatening because it...

a. -hypotension -causes the perfusion pressure to drop and deprives our body's cells of nutrients.
b. -hypertension -increases the perfusion pressure and supplies excess nutrients to cells.
c. -normotension -maintains optimal perfusion pressure without affecting nutrient supply.
d. -hyperglycemia -impacts blood sugar levels but not perfusion pressure.

Answer 1

Hypotension, or extremely low blood pressure, can be life-threatening as it reduces perfusion pressure, leading to ischemia and hypoxia, and can potentially cause circulatory shock.

Step-by-step explanation:

Extremely low blood pressure, or hypotension, can be life-threatening because it causes the perfusion pressure to drop and deprives our body's cells of nutrients. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) is an important measure and usually falls within the range of 70-110 mm Hg. However, if the MAP falls below 60 mm Hg for an extended time, it could result in ischemia, which is insufficient blood flow to tissues, leading to conditions like hypoxia, where there is inadequate oxygenation of tissues. In severe cases, this can progress to circulatory shock, a potentially fatal condition where blood flow is so low that it does not meet the body's needs for oxygen and nutrients.