Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

What occurs when the body's demand for oxygen exceeds the available oxygen supply?

1. Hypotension

2. Hypoxia

3. Jaundice

4. Hyper aerobic metabolism

The correct answer is: Hypoxia

When the body's demand for oxygen exceeds the available oxygen supply, the condition known as hypoxia occurs. Hypoxia is characterized by an inadequate supply of oxygen to the tissues, which can hinder cellular function and lead to cellular injury or death if not addressed. It is important for all bodily organs to receive sufficient oxygen for optimal metabolic processes; failure to meet this demand can lead to a variety of physiological complications. The other choices relate to different physiological conditions or responses. For instance, hypotension refers to low blood pressure and can occur due to various reasons but is not directly a result of oxygen supply issues. Jaundice is related to the accumulation of bilirubin and typically indicates liver dysfunction or hemolysis, rather than a direct issue with oxygen levels. Hyper aerobic metabolism, which suggests an increased use of oxygen in metabolism, does not occur in the context of oxygen deficiency; rather, it assumes an abundance of oxygen for energy production. In scenarios of inadequate oxygen, metabolism shifts to anaerobic pathways, which are less efficient and lead to the buildup of lactic acid. Thus, hypoxia is the correct choice as it directly addresses the consequences of insufficient oxygen reaching the tissues.