A patient with inadequate oxygenation of the brain may display which of the following condi-tions? 1. Confusion 2. Excitement 3. Somnolence 4. Compliance

a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 and 4 only
d. 3 and 4 only

ANS: B
Confusion and somnolence are neurological findings with severe hypoxemia, which shows that the hypoxemia has affected the patient's brain. The brain requires approximately 3.3 mL of oxy-gen per 100 grams of brain tissue per minute. Initially, the body responds to lowered blood oxy-gen by redirecting blood to the brain and increasing cerebral blood flow. Blood flow may in-crease up to twice the normal flow but no more. If the increased blood flow is sufficient to sup-ply the brain's oxygen needs, then no symptoms will result. However, if blood flow cannot be increased or if doubled blood flow does not correct the problem, symptoms of cerebral hypoxia will begin to appear. These symptoms include restlessness, disorientation, headaches, lassitude, somnolence, confusion, delirium, blurred vision, etc.