NREMT Paramedic Practice

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What term describes low oxygen levels within the blood?

Hypercapnia
Hypoxia
Hypoxemia
Ischemia

The correct answer is: Hypoxemia

The term that specifically describes low oxygen levels within the blood is hypoxemia. This condition refers to a deficiency of oxygen in the arterial blood, which can be measured through blood tests like an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. Hypoxemia is critical because it can lead to serious complications if not addressed, as sufficient oxygenation is essential for cellular function and overall body metabolism. Understanding the other terms helps clarify why hypoxemia is the correct choice. Hypercapnia refers to an excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, which does not directly indicate oxygen levels. Hypoxia, while it denotes a deficiency of oxygen in general, does not specify that it is related strictly to blood. It can refer to low oxygen levels in tissues or organs. Ischemia describes a reduced blood flow to tissues, which may lead to oxygen deprivation, but it is not synonymous with low blood oxygen levels themselves. Therefore, hypoxemia is the most accurate term to describe low oxygen levels specifically within the blood.