ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Symptoms of inadequate oxygen supply include:

1. dyspnea

2. cyanosis

3. retraction of intercostal spaces

4. 1 and 2 only

The correct answer is: 1 and 2 only

Inadequate oxygen supply can lead to several symptoms, primarily dyspnea and cyanosis. Dyspnea refers to the subjective experience of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, which occurs when the body is not receiving enough oxygen to meet its needs. This is a common and early sign of respiratory distress and can arise from various conditions affecting oxygen exchange. Cyanosis is another significant indicator of inadequate oxygenation, characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. It occurs when there is a high concentration of deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood, typically arising from severe hypoxia. This symptom can be particularly visible in the lips and fingertips. While retraction of intercostal spaces can indicate respiratory distress, it is more commonly a sign of increased work of breathing rather than a direct symptom of inadequate oxygen supply. Therefore, dyspnea and cyanosis are the most direct indicators of inadequate oxygenation, making the combination of these two symptoms the correct way to identify the issue.