What are the signs of hypoxia in a patient?

Hypoxia is a condition in which the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. The signs of hypoxia can vary in intensity but often include physiological responses that indicate the body's distress due to low oxygen levels.

Shortness of breath is a primary symptom because the body attempts to compensate for insufficient oxygen by increasing the breathing rate. Confusion can occur as the brain is particularly sensitive to oxygen levels; when oxygen is low, cognitive functions can be impaired. Cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes, results from poor oxygenation of the blood, making it a clear visual sign of hypoxia. An increased heart rate is also a typical response; as the heart works harder to circulate blood in an attempt to deliver more oxygen to tissues, it beats faster.

Other choices present symptoms that do not specifically indicate hypoxia. Symptoms such as fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chest pain, wheezing, persistent cough, and chills can be linked to various conditions but are not direct indicators of low oxygen levels in the body. Therefore, the first choice comprehensively captures the key signs of hypoxia, making it the correct response.