1. Clearly differentiate the terms hypoxia and hypoxaemia

Hypoxemia is a low level of oxygen in the blood

hypoxia is low oxygen levels in your tissues

1. Which is the most sensitive organ to the effects of hypoxia? How might this present?

2. What are the “five vital signs?”

oxygen saturation

pulse rate

blood pressure temperature

respiratory rate

1. It is recommended that oxygen is prescribed to achieve a “target saturation”. What targets does the Guideline suggest for:

The recommended initial target saturation range, unless stated otherwise, is 94–98%.

1. acutely ill patients?

1. those patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure?

1. Which two clinical conditions does the Guideline suggest oxygen therapy is indicated for despite the absence of low oxygen saturation? Explain why.