Ace the 2025 Basic and Clinical Sciences Challenge – Test Your Brain and Boost Your Brilliance!

Question: 1 / 400

What characterizes hypoxemic respiratory failure?

Decreased PaO2 with increased PaCO2

Decreased PaO2 with normal PaCO2

Hypoxemic respiratory failure is characterized primarily by low arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) while maintaining normal levels of carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2). In this scenario, the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream is impaired, leading to a decrease in PaO2. However, ventilation remains adequate enough to prevent an accumulation of carbon dioxide, resulting in normal PaCO2 levels.

Conditions causing hypoxemic respiratory failure can include pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary embolism, among others. In contrast, significant increases in PaCO2 would indicate hypoventilation or respiratory failure of a hypercapnic nature rather than hypoxemic. Understanding this distinction is crucial for diagnosing and treating respiratory disorders effectively.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Normal PaO2 and decreased PaCO2

Increased PaO2 with normal PaCO2

Next Question

Report this question

Download Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy