Which oxygen saturation range indicates mild hypoxemia?

Which oxygen saturation range indicates mild hypoxemia?

• A. 60-79 mmHg
• B. 40-59 mmHg
• C. 80-100 mmHg
• D. 75-89 mmHg

Answer: (A)

Mild hypoxemia is characterized by a specific range of oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood. Typically, a partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) range of 60-79 mmHg corresponds with mild hypoxemia. This condition occurs when there is a reduced level of oxygen in the blood, but patients may still experience few or no symptoms and may retain adequate oxygenation for basic physiological functions. Oxygen saturation levels of 80-100 mmHg generally reflect normal oxygenation, thus falling outside the range for hypoxemia. Levels below 60 mmHg signify moderate to severe hypoxemia, which often leads to significant physiological complications and typically requires medical intervention. The saturation range of 75-89 mmHg, while indicative of some degree of hypoxemia, is closer to moderate hypoxemia when using the standard classification based on PaO2. Therefore, the range of 60-79 mmHg is clearly established as the indicator of mild hypoxemia, making it the correct answer for the question.

Mild hypoxemia is characterized by a specific range of oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood. Typically, a partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) range of 60-79 mmHg corresponds with mild hypoxemia. This condition occurs when there is a reduced level of oxygen in the blood, but patients may still experience few or no symptoms and may retain adequate oxygenation for basic physiological functions.

Oxygen saturation levels of 80-100 mmHg generally reflect normal oxygenation, thus falling outside the range for hypoxemia. Levels below 60 mmHg signify moderate to severe hypoxemia, which often leads to significant physiological complications and typically requires medical intervention. The saturation range of 75-89 mmHg, while indicative of some degree of hypoxemia, is closer to moderate hypoxemia when using the standard classification based on PaO2. Therefore, the range of 60-79 mmHg is clearly established as the indicator of mild hypoxemia, making it the correct answer for the question.