EMCrit Podcast EMCrit Wee - The Physiology of Oxygenation with Alex of Deranged Physiology
27 snips
Jul 20, 2023 AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Oxygen Cascade and Mitochondrial Function
- The oxygen cascade describes the stepwise decrease in oxygen partial pressure from atmospheric air to the mitochondria.
- Mitochondrial oxygen levels are remarkably low, allowing for preservation even in hypoxemic states.
Hemoglobin's Role in Oxygen Carriage
- Hemoglobin plays a crucial role in oxygen carriage, far exceeding the contribution of dissolved oxygen.
- The amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin is the primary determinant of oxygen content in whole blood.
ABG Utility in Critical Care
- Use venous blood gases (VBGs) for pH and CO2 assessment in most critical care situations.
- Reserve arterial blood gases (ABGs) for specific cases like assessing diffusion or qualifying for home oxygen.