Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What condition describes reduced oxygen levels in the body?

1. Hyperoxia

2. Hypoxia

3. Ischemia

4. Oxygenation

The correct answer is: Hypoxia

Hypoxia refers specifically to a condition where there is a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. This can occur due to various reasons, including respiratory problems, environmental factors (such as high altitudes), or issues with blood circulation. When tissues do not receive adequate oxygen, it can lead to cellular and organ dysfunction. In contrast, hyperoxia refers to an excess of oxygen in the tissues and can have different clinical implications. Ischemia refers to reduced blood flow to tissues, which can lead to hypoxia but is not synonymous with it, as ischemia encompasses broader issues related to blood supply. Oxygenation simply describes the presence or saturation of oxygen in the blood and does not indicate a condition of deficiency. Therefore, hypoxia is the term that directly identifies the reduced oxygen levels in the body, making it the correct choice.