HYPOXIA

Course overview

HYPOXIA IS A STATE IN WHICH OXYGEN IS NOT AVAILABLE IN SUFFICIENT AMOUNTS AT THE TISSUE LEVEL TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE HOMEOSTASIS; THIS CAN RESULT FROM INADEQUATE OXYGEN DELIVERY TO THE TISSUES EITHER DUE TO LOW BLOOD SUPPLY OR LOW OXYGEN CONTENT IN THE BLOOD (HYPOXEMIA). HYPOXIA CAN VARY IN INTENSITY FROM MILD TO SEVERE AND CAN PRESENT IN ACUTE, CHRONIC, OR ACUTE AND CHRONIC FORMS. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE ETIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, AND PRESENTATION OF HYPOXIA AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AFFECTED PATIENTS.