The respiratory therapist is evaluating a patient in the intensive care unit who shows signs of tissue hypoxia. Laboratory results reveal the following: HgB 14.8 grams, CaO2 19.6 vol. %, PaO2 102 mm Hg, a-v difference 9.8 vol. %, PvO2 24 mm Hg
Based on these results, which of the following types of hypoxia does this patient have?
a. Hypoxic hypoxia
b. Anemic hypoxia
c. Circulatory hypoxia
d. Histotoxic hypoxia
C
An increase in the a-v difference is due to a decrease in cardiac output (circulatory hypoxia). The cardiac output and a-v difference are inversely related, and an a-v difference of 9.9 vol. % is evidence of the inadequacy of the cardiac output.
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A) The tube fails or ruptures, or the tube becomes dislodged. B) The tube splits from excess airway pressures or becomes occluded. C) The tube becomes plugged with mucus, or the tube becomes dislodged. D) The tube softens, or becomes occluded with foreign material.
An emergency department death is considered a(n) ____________________ death.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).