What does hypoxemia refer to?

Hypoxemia specifically refers to decreased oxygenation in the blood, where the level of oxygen in the arterial blood falls below normal limits. This condition can lead to a variety of health issues, as oxygen is crucial for cellular function throughout the body. Hypoxemia is usually measured using arterial blood gases (ABG) or pulse oximetry, which indicates how well oxygen is being transported in the bloodstream.

The other options represent different situations: increased blood oxygenation, for example, would imply a rise in oxygen levels, which is the opposite of hypoxemia. Normal oxygen levels in arterial blood indicate a healthy state without oxygen deficiency. Lastly, excess carbon dioxide in the blood describes a separate condition known as hypercapnia, which is not directly related to oxygen levels. Understanding hypoxemia is essential for monitoring and treating patients, especially those with respiratory issues or other conditions affecting oxygenation.