Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What is a defining characteristic of stagnant hypoxia?

1. Lack of oxygen in the environment

2. Sequestering of blood within the body

3. Excessive carbon dioxide levels

4. Insufficient red blood cells

The correct answer is: Sequestering of blood within the body

Stagnant hypoxia is specifically characterized by inadequate blood flow to deliver oxygen throughout the body, despite the presence of adequate oxygen levels in the environment and within the bloodstream. This condition occurs when blood gets sequestered or is pooling within certain areas of the body, preventing efficient circulation and the timely delivery of oxygen to tissues and organs. This can happen due to various factors such as heart failure, shock, or prolonged immobility, which negatively impact the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. The key point here is that while the blood itself may be fully oxygenated, the physiological condition of stagnant hypoxia leads to tissues not receiving the oxygen they need due to the impaired flow of that blood, resulting in a decrease in tissue oxygenation. Understanding stagnant hypoxia helps healthcare providers recognize symptoms and implement interventions that include measures to improve circulation, thereby enhancing oxygen delivery to the affected tissues.