Which term describes inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues and cells?

Which term describes inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues and cells?

• A. Hypoxemia
• B. Hyperoxia
• C. Anoxia
• D. Hypoxia

Answer: (D)

Hypoxia describes inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues and cells. It focuses on the tissue level: even if the blood carries oxygen, there can be insufficient flow or the cells can’t use it properly, leading to cellular distress. Hypoxemia means low oxygen in the blood, which can contribute to hypoxia but isn’t the term for tissue-level deficiency. Anoxia is a complete lack of oxygen to the tissues, and hyperoxia is an excess of oxygen. In practice, recognizing hypoxia involves looking for signs that tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen and ensuring airway, breathing, and circulation are supported to restore adequate tissue oxygenation.

Hypoxia describes inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues and cells. It focuses on the tissue level: even if the blood carries oxygen, there can be insufficient flow or the cells can’t use it properly, leading to cellular distress. Hypoxemia means low oxygen in the blood, which can contribute to hypoxia but isn’t the term for tissue-level deficiency. Anoxia is a complete lack of oxygen to the tissues, and hyperoxia is an excess of oxygen. In practice, recognizing hypoxia involves looking for signs that tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen and ensuring airway, breathing, and circulation are supported to restore adequate tissue oxygenation.