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Multiple Choice
Which of the following conditions would lead to anemic hypoxia?
A
Decreased hemoglobin concentration
B
Carbon monoxide poisoning
C
High altitude exposure
D
Pulmonary embolism
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of anemic hypoxia: Anemic hypoxia occurs when there is a deficiency in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, typically due to a decrease in hemoglobin concentration.
Evaluate the condition of decreased hemoglobin concentration: Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. A decrease in hemoglobin concentration directly reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leading to anemic hypoxia.
Consider carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, effectively reducing the amount of hemoglobin available to transport oxygen, which can lead to anemic hypoxia.
Analyze high altitude exposure: At high altitudes, the partial pressure of oxygen is lower, which can lead to hypoxia. However, this is not specifically anemic hypoxia, as it does not involve a decrease in hemoglobin concentration.
Examine pulmonary embolism: A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, which affects blood flow and oxygen exchange in the lungs. This condition leads to hypoxia due to impaired oxygenation, but it is not classified as anemic hypoxia.