Clinical Diagnosis · Respiratory System · Easy
Hypoxaemia
Meaning: Abnormally low oxygen levels in the arterial blood.
In practice: Pulse oximetry revealed hypoxaemia, with saturations of only 86% on room air.
Word parts
- hypo- means below or less than normal
- -aemia means a condition of the blood
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: A lifelong developmental condition affecting social communication and interaction, with restricted or repetitive behaviours.
Answer: Autism
Which word means: Excess levels of the main adrenal stress hormone, causing central weight gain, thin skin and high blood pressure.
Answer: Hypercortisolism
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