Final answer:
The statement is false; hypoxemia, which indicates low oxygen levels in the blood, commonly occurs in acute respiratory failure due to inadequate gas exchange, reduced alveoli, diaphragm dysfunction, or airway issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement “Hypoxemia is never present in Acute respiratory failure” is false. Hypoxemia, which refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood, is a common characteristic of acute respiratory failure. Acute respiratory failure occurs when the respiratory system is unable to deliver an adequate supply of oxygen to the blood or to remove carbon dioxide from the blood. It can be caused by various conditions affecting the lungs such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a severe asthma attack where airways are narrowed and filled with mucus.
In cases of acute respiratory failure, the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood drops below normal levels, leading to hypoxemia. This can occur because the lungs are not able to adequately exchange gases, there is a reduction in the number of alveoli, or due to other pathological changes that impair oxygenation or ventilation, such as diaphragm dysfunction or chest wall injuries.