North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

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What term describes decreased oxygen in the blood?

Hypoxia
Hypoxemia
Ischemia
Hypotension

The correct answer is: Hypoxemia

The term describing decreased oxygen in the blood is hypoxemia. Hypoxemia specifically refers to low levels of oxygen in the arterial blood, which can be measured directly through arterial blood gases or inferred through various clinical signs and symptoms. This condition can result from several issues, such as lung diseases, heart problems, or issues with blood circulation. While hypoxia is often confused with hypoxemia, it more broadly refers to a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues. Ischemia refers to an inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, which may lead to hypoxia but is not directly synonymous with decreased oxygen in the blood. Hypotension, on the other hand, relates to low blood pressure and is unrelated to oxygen levels. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in clinical practice, particularly in assessing respiratory and cardiovascular health.