ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer focuses on oxygen delivery to tissues, which is critically affected during ischemia. Ischemia refers to an inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles. This reduction in blood flow directly results in decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues, which can lead to cellular injury and, if prolonged, cell death.

Oxygen is essential for aerobic metabolism, the process by which cells produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell, through the breakdown of glucose. When ischemia occurs, the lack of oxygen means that cells are unable to efficiently produce ATP. Without adequate energy, cellular functions, including those necessary for survival and maintenance, are compromised.

While protein synthesis, carbon dioxide removal, and nutrient absorption are all important cellular processes, they are secondary effects of impaired oxygen delivery. For example, without sufficient oxygen, the cells may not be able to produce the energy required to synthesize proteins or adequately manage waste products such as carbon dioxide. Thus, the primary impact of ischemia is on the oxygen supply, leading to a series of downstream effects on various cellular functions.