Which of the following is a potential result of inadequate ventilation?

Inadequate ventilation can lead to hypoxemia, which refers to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. When a person is not ventilating effectively, carbon dioxide can build up in the bloodstream, while oxygen levels drop, causing a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues. This condition can result from various factors such as airway obstruction, respiratory muscle failure, or respiratory diseases. Certainly, the body requires adequate ventilation for proper gas exchange; insufficient ventilation disrupts this process, leading to hypoxemia, which can have serious consequences on bodily functions, particularly affecting vital organs like the heart and brain. Recognizing inadequate ventilation as a potential cause of hypoxemia is critical for timely intervention in emergency situations.