See Table 11.2b for symptoms and signs of hypoxia. A sign of chronic hypoxia is clubbing, a gradual enlargement of the fingertips (see Figure 11.1 ). Cyanosis is most easily seen around the lips and in the oral mucosa. Late signs of hypoxia include bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes called cyanosis. As hypoxia worsens, the patient’s level of consciousness and vital signs will worsen, with increased respiratory rate and heart rate and decreased pulse oximetry readings. Hypoxemia is a specific type of hypoxia that is defined as decreased partial pressure of oxygen in the blood (PaO2), measured by an arterial blood gas (ABG).Įarly signs of hypoxia are anxiety, confusion, and restlessness. Hypoxia has many causes, ranging from respiratory and cardiac conditions to anemia. Hypoxia is defined as a reduced level of tissue oxygenation. The SaO2 level is also obtained, which is the calculated arterial oxygen saturation level. See Table 11.2a for a summary of normal ranges of ABG values. The normal range of pH level for arterial blood is 7.35-7.45, and the normal range for the bicarbonate (HCO3) level is 22-26. The normal PaCO2 level of a healthy adult is 35-45 mmHg. The PaCO2 level is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood. The PaO2 reading is more accurate than a SpO2 reading because it is not affected by hemoglobin levels. The normal PaO2 level of a healthy adult is 80 to 100 mmHg. The partial pressure of oxygen in the blood is referred to as PaO2. ABG results evaluate oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, and bicarbonate levels. An ABG is a blood sample that is typically drawn from the radial artery by a respiratory therapist, emergency or critical care nurse, or health care provider. ABG results are often obtained for patients who have deteriorating or unstable respiratory status requiring urgent and emergency treatment. Decreased peripheral circulation can also cause a misleading low SpO2 level.Ī more specific measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood is obtained through an arterial blood gas (ABG). For example, if a patient is severely anemic and has a decreased level of hemoglobin in the blood, the SpO2 reading is affected. Although SpO2 is an efficient, noninvasive method to assess a patient’s oxygenation status, it is an estimate and not always accurate. For patients with chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD, the target range for SpO2 is often lower at 88% to 92%. The target range of SpO2 for an adult is 95-100%. Because the majority of oxygen carried in the blood is attached to hemoglobin within the red blood cell, SpO2 estimates how much hemoglobin is “saturated” with oxygen. SpO2 is an estimated oxygenation level based on the saturation of hemoglobin measured by a pulse oximeter. Video Review for Oxygenation Basics View the TED-Ed Oxygen’s Journey video on YouTube Breathing Mechanics Ī patient’s oxygenation status is routinely assessed using pulse oximetry, referred to as SpO2.
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