Question about severe hypoxemia

[steven1174]

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Hey folks...

I have a question for anyone willing and able....

Name any clinical condition in which the patient would have severe hypoxemia but a normal A-a gradient. Hint: You will see this in the emergency room commonly.

What is it and if possible quick explanation.

Thanks!

 

[USCDiver]

Are you pimping us? or is this a homework assignment?

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Something that's causing drastic hypoventilation....such as a narcotic OD....would produce a "normal" A-a gradient despite severe hypoxemia.

 

[12R34Y]

Something that's causing drastic hypoventilation....such as a narcotic OD....would produce a "normal" A-a gradient despite severe hypoxemia.

that's what I was going to say.........anything that causes hypoventilation such as patient splinting his breathing due to severe pain or narcotic OD would cause hypoxemia, but would have nothing to do with a diffusion impairment in the lungs themselves.

We had a thread on this like a year ago or something if I remember correctly. do a search on it.

later