PO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) reflects the amount of oxygen gas dissolved in the blood. It primarily measures the effectiveness of the lungs in pulling oxygen into the blood stream from the atmosphere. Elevated pO2 levels are associated with: Increased oxygen levels in the inhaled air.

What does a high PO2 mean?

pO2: This is measured by a pO2 electrode. It is the partial pressure (tension) of oxygen in a gas phase in equilibrium with blood. High or low values indicate blood hyperoxia or hypoxia, respectively. pO2 in venous blood is lower than arterial blood due to oxygen extraction by peripheral tissues.

What causes an increase in PaO2?

PaO2 is dependent on alveolar oxygen (PAO2), which is influenced by the FiO2, barometric pressure (high altitude), PaCO2 increase (respiratory depression), and the gradient between alveolar and arterial oxygen tension, which can be increased by ventilation and perfusion mismatch.