A hospitalized patient is complaining of shortness of breath, but the student does not notice cyanosis. The patient's hemoglobin is 9 g/dL, so the student asks the healthcare professional to explain. The professional tells the student that what amount of hemoglobin must be desaturated before cyanosis occurs?
A)3
B)5
C)7
D)9

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cyanosis generally develops when 5 g/dL of hemoglobin is desaturated, regardless of hemoglobin concentration. So even though the patient is anemic and has less oxygen-carrying capacity, if less than 5 g/dL of hemoglobin is desaturated, the patient will not show cyanosis.

A Hospitalized Patient Is Complaining of Shortness of Breath, but the Student