9. Which of the following best represents the systemic arterial blood of an indi

Question

9. Which of the following best represents the systemic arterial blood of an individual with anemia?

A. Low PO2, low hemoglobin, low O2 content

B. Low PO2, low hemoglobin, normal O2 content

C. Low PO2, normal hemoglobin, low O2 content

D. Low PO2, normal hemoglobin, normal O2 content

E. Normal PO2, low hemoglobin, low O2 content this is the correct answer but what would be the arterial hemoglobin saturation be with individuals with anemia?I need to explain for this!

F. Normal PO2, low hemoglobin, normal O2 content

G. Normal PO2, normal hemoglobin, low O2 content

H. Normal PO2, normal hemoglobin, normal O2 content

Explanation / Answer

Answer 9.

Arterial blood with anemia means low red blood cell count. If RBC count is low, it means that less oxygen will be picked up by the blood; so, less, oxygen will be available to the cells of the body resulting in hypoxia. Please note that low oxygen and low hemoglobin is the first and foremost condition of anemia. But in anemia, the partial pressure of oxygen remains the same just like normal individual.

Arterial hemoglobin saturation refers to saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen. It is given by oxygen saturated hemoglobin divided by total hemoglobin (deoxygenated + oxygenated). At low partial pressure of oxygen, the deoxygenated hemoglobin will be more. So, denominator of the above formula will increase; arterial hemoglobin saturation will increase. On the other hand, at normal partial pressure of oxygen, the oxygenated and deoxygenated oxygen both will decrease; so, the overall ratio will also decrease.

Please note that normal levels of arterial oxygen saturation range from 94 to 100% in blood. A value of less than 90% is referred to as hypoxia, which may occur due to anemia.

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