PaO2

Definition

PaO2 is the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood, indicating how well oxygen is able to move from the lungs to the blood. It is a critical measure in assessing pulmonary function and overall respiratory health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Normal PaO2 levels range from 75 to 100 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
2. PaO2 levels can be influenced by factors like altitude, age, and lung disease.
3. Low PaO2 levels can indicate hypoxemia, which requires prompt medical intervention.
4. Nutritional status can indirectly affect PaO2 by influencing lung function and overall metabolic health.
5. Monitoring PaO2 is essential for patients with chronic pulmonary conditions such as COPD or asthma.

Review Questions

• What is the normal range for PaO2 in arterial blood?
• How can nutritional status impact PaO2 levels?
• Why is it important to monitor PaO2 in patients with chronic pulmonary conditions?

Related terms

SpO2: Peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, an estimate of the amount of oxygen in the blood measured through pulse oximetry.

Hypoxemia: A condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood, potentially leading to tissue hypoxia.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): A test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood to assess lung function and acid-base balance.