Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) Practice Exam

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What characterizes anaemic hypoxia?

Increased Hb
Increased CaO2
Decreased Hb
Increased blood volume

The correct answer is: Decreased Hb

Anaemic hypoxia is characterized by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin (Hb) available in the blood to carry oxygen. This condition arises when there is either a reduction in the total amount of hemoglobin due to conditions like anemia or a qualitative alteration in hemoglobin that impairs its ability to bind oxygen effectively. As a result, despite potentially normal arterial oxygen saturation and partial pressure of oxygen, the overall capacity of blood to carry oxygen is reduced, leading to tissue hypoxia. In this context, an understanding of other options helps clarify why they do not characterize anaemic hypoxia. For example, an increase in hemoglobin would enhance the oxygen-carrying capacity, which is contrary to the concept of anaemic hypoxia. Similarly, an increase in CaO2 (the content of oxygen in arterial blood) or blood volume would indicate improved oxygen delivery, again opposing the definition of anaemic hypoxia.