You are called to the emergency room to administer oxygen to a patient who is being treated for drug overdose.You notice that the patient's respiratory rate is six breaths per minute and that he is breathing very shallowly.This patient is ordered oxygen therapy to treat which of the following types of hypoxia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypoxemic hypoxia is caused by a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. In this case, the patient's shallow breathing and low respiratory rate are leading to a decrease in oxygen saturation in the blood, making it difficult for the body to deliver oxygen to the tissues. Administering oxygen therapy can help increase the oxygen saturation levels and treat hypoxemic hypoxia. Anemic hypoxia is caused by a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Circulatory hypoxia occurs when there is a decrease in blood flow, limiting the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues. Demand hypoxia occurs when there is an increased demand for oxygen, which cannot be met due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity or reduced oxygen availability.

You Are Called to the Emergency Room to Administer Oxygen