Posted: August 16th, 2017

When the nurse observes that the postoperative patient demonstrates a constant low level of oxygen saturation, although the patient’s breathing appears normal, the nurse identifies thatthe patient may be suffering which type of hypoxemia?

When the nurse observes that the postoperative patient demonstrates a constant low level of oxygen saturation, although the patient’s breathing appears normal, the nurse identifies thatthe patient may be suffering which type of hypoxemia?
a) Subacute
Supplemental oxygen may be indicated.
b) Hypoxic
Hypoxic hypoxemia results from inadequate breathing.
c) Episodic
Episodic hypoxemia develops suddenly, and the patient may be at risk for myocardial ischemia, cerebral dysfunction, and cardiac arrest.
d) Anemic
Anemic hypoxemia results from blood loss during surgery.