Oxygen saturation is a term that refers to the concentration of oxygen in the blood. Hypoxemia describes a lower than normal level of oxygen in the blood. To function properly, the body must be above a certain level of oxygen circulating in the blood to perfuse cells and tissues. When the oxygen level falls below this threshold, hypoxemia occurs. This may cause some signs and symptoms to appear. Having low oxygen saturation for a short time can cause shortness of breath, which is generally one of the first symptoms. Anxiety, restlessness, tiredness, and headaches are also common symptoms of short-term hypoxemia. In an attempt to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, the breathing rate may increase to over 24 breaths per minute. The heart rate is also often elevated to over 100 beats per minute to help circulate oxygen and meet tissue demands. Low oxygen saturation can also cause orientation problems such as confusion and short-term memory loss. If hypoxemia becomes severe, brain function may be impaired, creating symptoms such as reduced attention span. Breathing may become irregular, with cycles of deep and shallow breathing. Endurance to physical activity decreases and motor function, particularly for fine movements, may also be impaired. Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, becomes visible. As hypoxemia worsens, bradycardia and hypotension may occur. Ultimately, coma and death can result from untreated severe hypoxemia. In long-term low oxygen saturation conditions, which can last several days or even longer, signs and symptoms will vary depending on severity and duration. Fatigue, lethargy, and irritability are common symptoms, as are impaired judgment (… half of document… active lung disease), emphysema, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and sleep apnea. Specific to COPD, some nursing plans would be to prevent disease progression, treat flare-ups, enable the client to perform ADLs, relieve the client of shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms, improve exercise tolerance, and improve the general quality of life. For nursing actions, educate the client about the effects of smoking on COPD, encourage the client to exercise with activities such as walking, use bronchodilators to help with shortness of breath when needed, and explain to the client how important it is to get adequate sleep and rest. Always ensure the client understands procedural teaching and demonstrates it appropriately, answers any questions they have, and reinforces information as needed to evaluate and support previously taught information.