Question

A low hemoglobin (anemia) may make it harder to detect cyanosis in a critically ill child?

1) True
2) False

Answer 1

Anemia can make it harder to detect cyanosis in a critically ill child due to the low hemoglobin levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anemia is a condition where there is a low hemoglobin level in the blood. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. When there is a low hemoglobin level, the blood may not be able to deliver enough oxygen to the tissues, causing symptoms like fatigue and pallor.

In a critically ill child with anemia, it may be harder to detect cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to inadequate oxygenation. This is because the low hemoglobin levels already contribute to a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and the cyanosis may not be as apparent.