Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for hypoxemia in the patient with a pulmonary embolism?
A) Pulmonary shunting
B) Pulsus paradoxus
C) Lower airway obstruction
D) Atelectasis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism can lead to hypoxemia through pulmonary shunting, which occurs when blood flows from the right side of the heart to the left side of the heart without being oxygenated by the lungs. This can occur due to blockage of blood flow through the pulmonary vasculature by the embolus. Pulsus paradoxus is a decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration and is not directly related to hypoxemia. Lower airway obstruction and atelectasis can cause hypoxemia, but they are not the specific mechanisms at play in a pulmonary embolism.

Which of the Following Mechanisms Is Responsible for Hypoxemia in the Patient