Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which condition is most likely to result post-operatively if a patient's hemoglobin level is low after coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

1. Hypertension

2. Hyperglycemia

3. Hypoxia

4. Hypotension

The correct answer is: Hypoxia

A low hemoglobin level after coronary artery bypass graft surgery can significantly impact oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body. Hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells, plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. When hemoglobin levels are low, the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is reduced, leading to a condition known as hypoxia, where tissues do not receive adequate oxygen for proper function. Hypoxia can result in a variety of clinical issues, including fatigue, confusion, and even organ dysfunction, as the body struggles to meet its metabolic demands without sufficient oxygen. This is particularly critical in the post-operative period following a major surgery such as coronary artery bypass grafting, where the body's demand for oxygen may increase due to surgery stress and recovery processes. In contrast, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypotension do not directly correlate to low hemoglobin levels in the same manner as hypoxia. Hypertension involves high blood pressure, which is generally unrelated to hemoglobin levels, and hyperglycemia refers to elevated glucose levels, often associated with conditions like diabetes, rather than being tied directly to hemoglobin. Hypotension, while it may occur post-surgery