What is a potential risk of excessive oxygen supply to organs and tissues?

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Prepare for the YMCA Basic Life Support Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, detailed explanations, and real-time feedback. Maximize your study time!

The correct answer is hyperoxia. This condition refers to an excess of oxygen in the tissues and organs. While oxygen is essential for cellular respiration and overall bodily function, an abundance can lead to detrimental effects. The body’s cells can only utilize a certain concentration of oxygen efficiently; if levels rise excessively, they can disrupt normal cellular function.

Hyperoxia can lead to several complications, including inflammation and oxidative stress, which may damage cells and tissues. It can also result in impaired gas exchange in the lungs and contribute to conditions such as oxygen toxicity, especially in individuals exposed to high concentrations of oxygen for prolonged periods.

Understanding hyperoxia is crucial in settings like medical treatment and rescue operations where oxygen therapy is employed. This emphasizes the importance of balancing oxygen supply to prevent potential harm while ensuring adequate tissue oxygenation.