NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which of the following best describes hypoxemia?

1. Excess carbon dioxide in the blood

2. Low blood sugar levels

3. Inadequate oxygen in the blood

4. High blood pressure

The correct answer is: Inadequate oxygen in the blood

Hypoxemia is characterized by inadequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is critical for the body's cellular functions and overall metabolism. When the oxygen concentration drops below normal, it can lead to various physiological effects, including tissue hypoxia, where tissues do not receive enough oxygen, potentially resulting in organ dysfunction or failure if not addressed promptly. The other options do not pertain to hypoxemia; excessive carbon dioxide in the blood relates to hypercapnia, which can occur due to inadequate ventilation. Low blood sugar levels refer to hypoglycemia, affecting energy metabolism rather than oxygenation. High blood pressure is related to hypertension and does not directly describe the condition of oxygen deficiency in the blood. Thus, the best description of hypoxemia is indeed the inadequacy of oxygen in the blood.