A patient presents with PaO₂of 54 mmHg and an arterial oxygen saturation of 80%. The nurse assesses for which most likely cause of this type of acute respiratory failure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A PaO2 of 54 mmHg indicates severe hypoxemia. The arterial oxygen saturation of 80% suggests that there is a ventilation-perfusion mismatch. A common cause of this type of acute respiratory failure is a pneumothorax, which can result in decreased gas exchange in the affected lung causing hypoxemia. The other options may lead to respiratory distress but are less likely to cause the severe hypoxemia described in the question.

A Patient Presents with PaO2 of 54 MmHg and an Arterial

A Patient Presents with PaO₂of 54 MmHg and an Arterial