Etymed
hypoxemia
Definition
Abnormally low concentration of oxygen in the blood
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents to the emergency department with worsening shortness of breath. His arterial blood gas shows a PO2 of 85 mmHg with normal oxygen saturation. Despite receiving supplemental oxygen, his oxygen levels remain elevated, raising concern for potential complications from excessive oxygen therapy.
Mnemonic
HYPOxemia = HYPERoxygen in blood - remember that hypoxemia means LOW oxygen, but the definition given is actually describing hyperoxia (high oxygen levels)