A condition in which there is an insufficient level of oxygen in the blood and tissue is called:

• A. Hypoxia
• B. Hypoxemia
• C. Anemia
• D. Hyperoxia

Answer: (A)

Oxygen delivery to tissues can be inadequate, leading to tissue hypoxia. Hypoxia is the condition where tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen, which can happen if the blood isn’t carrying enough oxygen (hypoxemia) or if blood flow to tissues is insufficient, or if the body can’t use the oxygen properly. The wording here points to a problem at the tissue level, so the correct term is hypoxia.

Hypoxemia refers specifically to low oxygen in the blood, which can contribute to hypoxia but describes a blood-level issue rather than the tissue-level deficit. Anemia is about a reduced capacity to carry oxygen due to low hemoglobin or red blood cells. Hyperoxia is excess oxygen.