What is hypoxemia primarily characterized by?

Hypoxemia is primarily characterized by very low oxygen levels in the blood. This condition signifies that the oxygen saturation in the arterial blood has dropped below the normal range, which can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues and organs. When the body's tissues and organs do not receive sufficient oxygen, it can cause serious health complications, including impaired organ function.

The measurement often used to evaluate hypoxemia is the arterial blood gas (ABG) test, which quantifies the levels of oxygen in the blood. Normal blood oxygen levels generally range from 75 to 100 mmHg, and values below this range indicate varying degrees of hypoxemia, potentially leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, or a bluish tint to the skin.

In contrast, high levels of carbon dioxide would indicate a separate condition known as hypercapnia. Elevated nitrogen levels are not typically associated with hypoxemia, as nitrogen is generally inert in the blood under normal physiological conditions. Fluctuating levels of oxygen can relate to various factors such as altitude changes or respiratory conditions, but it does not specifically define hypoxemia, which is solely concerned with the sustained low levels of oxygen.