Word parts
What it means
The tissues and organs are not getting enough oxygen. It is not the same as hypoxemiahy-pok-SEE-mee-uhA level of oxygen in the blood below normal.hypo- belowox oxygen-emia in the bloodFull entry , which is low oxygen in the blood: low blood oxygen is a common cause of hypoxia, but so are anemiauh-NEE-mee-uhA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.a- without, lacking-emia blood conditionFull entry , poor blood flow and some poisons. Early signs are restlessness, anxiety, confusion and a fast heart and breathing rate; cyanosissy-uh-NOH-sisA blue or gray color of the skin, lips or nail beds.cyan/o blue-osis abnormal conditionFull entry is a late sign.
For the nurse
Check oxygen saturation, breathing and mental status. Raise the head of the bed, give oxygenOK-sih-jenA gas in the air that every cell needs, also given as a medicine at higher amounts than room air.Full entry as ordered and stay with the client. New restlessness or confusion in any client may be hypoxia and is not treated as just anxiety until oxygen is checked.
In a chart
"Client restless and confused, SpO2 86%, HR 118; oxygen applied and rapid response called."
At a glance
| Spanish | hipoxia |
|---|---|
| Also written | hypoxic |
Easy to confuse with
hypoxemia
A level of oxygen in the blood below normal.
Related terms
oxygen
A gas in the air that every cell needs, also given as a medicine at higher amounts than room air.
oxygenation
The process of getting oxygen into the blood and delivering it to the body's tissues.
hypo-
A word beginning that means under, below or less than normal.
cyanosis
A blue or gray color of the skin, lips or nail beds.
hypoxemia
A level of oxygen in the blood below normal.