What type of hypoxia is caused by reduced inspired oxygen partial pressure at altitude?

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Multiple Choice

What type of hypoxia is caused by reduced inspired oxygen partial pressure at altitude?

Explanation:
At altitude the barometric pressure drops, so the partial pressure of inspired oxygen falls. That reduces alveolar and arterial oxygen tension, meaning less O2 is carried and delivered to tissues. This is hypoxic (hypoxemic) hypoxia—the problem is insufficient oxygen in the blood due to low inspired O2, not a lack of hemoglobin, poor blood flow, or a cellular inability to use oxygen. Anemic hypoxia would involve reduced carrying capacity from low or abnormal Hb; stagnant hypoxia from impaired circulation; and histotoxic hypoxia from cellular use failure.

At altitude the barometric pressure drops, so the partial pressure of inspired oxygen falls. That reduces alveolar and arterial oxygen tension, meaning less O2 is carried and delivered to tissues. This is hypoxic (hypoxemic) hypoxia—the problem is insufficient oxygen in the blood due to low inspired O2, not a lack of hemoglobin, poor blood flow, or a cellular inability to use oxygen. Anemic hypoxia would involve reduced carrying capacity from low or abnormal Hb; stagnant hypoxia from impaired circulation; and histotoxic hypoxia from cellular use failure.

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