Oxygen saturation is a term referring 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 needs to have a certain level of oxygen circulating in the blood to perfuse cells and tissues. When the oxygen level drops below this threshold, hypoxemia occurs. This may cause certain signs and symptoms to appear. Short-term low oxygen saturation can cause shortness of breath, which is usually one of the first symptoms. Anxiety, agitation, fatigue, and headaches are also common symptoms of short-term hypoxemia. In order to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, the respiratory rate can increase to more than 24 breaths per minute. The heart rate is also frequently elevated above 100 beats per minute to help circulate oxygen to meet tissue needs. Low oxygen saturation can also lead to orientation problems such as confusion and short-term memory loss. If hypoxemia becomes severe, brain function may be impaired, creating symptoms such as decreased attention span. Breathing may become irregular, with cycles of deep and shallow breathing. The endurance required for physical activity decreases and motor function, especially 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. For long-term low oxygen saturation conditions, which can last several days or even longer, signs and symptoms vary depending on severity and duration. Fatigue, lethargy, and irritability are common symptoms, as are impaired judgment... middle of article...... active lung disease), emphysema, pneumonia, edema pulmonary and sleep apnea. Specifically regarding COPD, some nursing plans would be to prevent disease progression, treat exacerbations, allow the client to perform daily activities, relieve the client of shortness of breath and other symptoms respiratory, improve exercise tolerance and improve overall quality of life. For nursing actions, educate the client about the effects of smoking as it relates to COPD, encourage the client to exercise with activities such as walking, use a bronchodilator to relieve dyspnea if necessary, and explain to the client how important it is to sleep and rest properly. Always ensure the client understands procedural teaching and demonstrates appropriately, answer all questions and reinforce information as necessary to evaluate and support previously taught information..