Definition: Hypoxemia occurs when there is a low level of oxygen in the blood. Hypoxemia may be manifested by changes in mental status, shortness of breath, increase in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, dysrhythmias, cyanosis (late sign), diaphoresis, and cool extremities. Hypoxemia often leads to hypoxia, which is a decrease of oxygen to the tissues of the body.
Pronunciation: hi-poks-e-me-a
Also Known As: low oxygen
Common Misspellings: hypoximia
