NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Pathology
/
Other Pulmonary Pathology
/
Hypoxia (Late Symptoms)

Master Hypoxia (Late Symptoms) with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Hypoxia (Late Symptoms)

Hypoxia (Late Symptoms)

Hippo-O2 by Late-moon
Picmonic
Hypoxia is a condition in which the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. Early symptoms were discussed in another Picmonic. Depending on the underlying causes of hypoxia patients often show varying degrees of symptoms. Common assessment findings during the late stage of hypoxia include symptoms such as cyanosis, cool, clammy skin, use of accessory muscles, retractions, hypotension, and arrhythmias.
6 KEY FACTS
Cyanosis
Cyan-Crayon

This is a bluish discoloration of the skin, which is caused by a decreased amount of oxygenated hemoglobin on red blood cells. Cyanosis is not always present as hypoxia is decreased oxygen at the cellular level.

Cool, Clammy Skin
Cool, Clammy Skin-suit-man

Also commonly called “diaphoretic,” compensatory responses release catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream, which cause increased perspiration. This increased perspiration cools the skin. Unpleasantly wet skin is also termed “clammy.”

Use of Accessory Muscles
Accessories Muscle-man

Accessory muscles are additional muscles that can help increase the amount of air that is inspired. These muscles are used to increase the volume and rate of respiration. Along with dyspnea at rest, patients may appear as if they are pausing for breath between words as the effort to breath becomes increasingly difficult.

Retractions
Retractions at Ribcage

Visualization of muscles pulling into the body cavity in the neck and intercostals can be seen during inspiration. This occurs as patients attempt to increase the force, rate and volume of inspired air. Retractions are more easily visible in thin patients and children.

Hypotension
Hippo-BP

In the early stages of hypoxia, blood pressure is typically increased as a compensatory mechanism, but with sustained or severe hypoxia, the body can no longer meet the demands for oxygen and tissues are unable to compensate, resulting in low blood pressure. Blood pressure changes are not a good indicator of hypoxia.

Arrhythmias
Broken Arrhythmia-drum

The heart is very sensitive to low oxygen levels because it has a high extraction percentage of oxygen from the blood. When oxygenation decreases slightly, the cardiac muscle can be immediately affected. This can occur in early stages, as well as late stages. Sustained hypoxia can lead to lethal arrhythmias.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Hypoxia (Early Symptoms)
picmonic thumbnail
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
picmonic thumbnail
Tension Pneumothorax
picmonic thumbnail
Chest Tubes: Management and Care
picmonic thumbnail
Flail Chest

Take the Hypoxia (Late Symptoms) Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,970,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.