REBEL Cast

REBEL Core Cast 135.0: A Simple Approach to Hypoxemia (vs. Hypoxia)

Jun 16, 2025
The podcast delves into the crucial differences between hypoxemia and hypoxia, emphasizing their significance in clinical settings. It outlines five causes of hypoxemia, including shunt and dead space, along with management techniques for each. Practical insights are shared on maximizing oxygen delivery and recognizing when to escalate care with positive pressure. The hosts also discuss the importance of rapid assessment in critical care, ensuring healthcare professionals can act swiftly in urgent situations.
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INSIGHT

Difference Between Hypoxemia and Hypoxia

  • Hypoxemia is low oxygen in the blood, while hypoxia is low oxygen at the tissue level.
  • Hypoxia has multiple types with different causes, important to differentiate at the bedside.
ADVICE

Recognize Hypopnea or Apnea Quickly

  • Patients not breathing well (hypopnea or apnea) will have hypoxemia that is easy to recognize.
  • Look for decreased respiratory effort when assessing for hypoxemia at the bedside.
ADVICE

Exclude High Altitude in Hospitals

  • Exclude high altitude as a cause of hypoxemia in hospitalized patients unless practicing at very high elevations.
  • High altitude is rarely relevant inside hospitals for hypoxemia cases.
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