Which of the following is not listed as a respiratory complication in trauma patients?

• A. Hypoxemia
• B. Hypercapnia
• C. Apnea
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (D)

In trauma care, respiratory problems are those that directly interfere with breathing or gas exchange. Hypoxemia is a drop in blood oxygen due to impaired oxygen uptake or delivery. Hypercapnia is a buildup of carbon dioxide when ventilation isn’t keeping up with production. Apnea refers to a pause in breathing, which can occur after injury to the brain or airways. Hypertension, on the other hand, is a cardiovascular issue involving elevated blood pressure and does not describe a problem with breathing or gas exchange. So the one that isn’t a respiratory complication is hypertension.