What is a potential risk when oxygen levels are too high in the blood?

Oxygen toxicity is a significant risk that arises when oxygen levels in the blood are excessively high. This condition occurs when there is an overexposure to oxygen, particularly at higher pressures, which can lead to damaging effects on the lungs and other tissues. High partial pressures of oxygen can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can inflict oxidative damage on cells and organs, leading to symptoms such as lung inflammation, central nervous system disturbances, and, in severe cases, seizures or respiratory failure.

Understanding the consequences of high oxygen levels is crucial in clinical settings, particularly when administering supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or chronic lung conditions. Medical professionals must carefully monitor oxygen delivery to avoid crossing the threshold into toxicity. In contrast, other options like hypercapnia, which results from elevated carbon dioxide levels, or hypoxia, a deficiency of oxygen, are related to different mechanisms of respiratory failure and do not pertain to the risks associated with high oxygen levels.