Which type of hypoxia occurs when the blood’s ability to carry oxygen is reduced due to carbon monoxide or anemia?

Which type of hypoxia occurs when the blood’s ability to carry oxygen is reduced due to carbon monoxide or anemia?

• A. Hypoxic Hypoxia
• B. Hypemic Hypoxia
• C. Stagnant Hypoxia
• D. Histotoxic Hypoxia

Answer: (B)

This item tests how hypoxia can arise from problems with oxygen transport in the blood rather than from the lungs or from cellular use. When carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, it greatly reduces the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. Similarly, anemia lowers the amount of hemoglobin available to carry oxygen. In both cases, the delivery of oxygen to tissues is limited because the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity is impaired, even if the lungs are taking in normal amounts of oxygen. That scenario fits hypemic hypoxia: the blood’s ability to transport oxygen is reduced. Other forms differ in where the failure occurs. Hypoxic hypoxia happens when there isn’t enough oxygen reaching the blood (low inspired O2 or poor diffusion at altitude). Stagnant hypoxia results from impaired circulation, so oxygen-poor blood isn’t being delivered effectively. Histotoxic hypoxia occurs when tissues can’t use oxygen properly, such as with certain toxins like cyanide.

This item tests how hypoxia can arise from problems with oxygen transport in the blood rather than from the lungs or from cellular use. When carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, it greatly reduces the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. Similarly, anemia lowers the amount of hemoglobin available to carry oxygen. In both cases, the delivery of oxygen to tissues is limited because the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity is impaired, even if the lungs are taking in normal amounts of oxygen. That scenario fits hypemic hypoxia: the blood’s ability to transport oxygen is reduced.

Other forms differ in where the failure occurs. Hypoxic hypoxia happens when there isn’t enough oxygen reaching the blood (low inspired O2 or poor diffusion at altitude). Stagnant hypoxia results from impaired circulation, so oxygen-poor blood isn’t being delivered effectively. Histotoxic hypoxia occurs when tissues can’t use oxygen properly, such as with certain toxins like cyanide.