Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the ALAT Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and detailed explanations. Boost your readiness and confidence!

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What is the bluish tint to the lining of the mouth, nose, eyelids, or vagina in an animal lacking oxygen called?

  1. Cyanosis

  2. Anemia

  3. Icterus

  4. Hypoxia

The correct answer is: Cyanosis

Cyanosis refers to the bluish discoloration of mucous membranes and skin that occurs when there is a lack of adequate oxygen in the blood. This condition is often indicative of respiratory or cardiovascular issues where oxygen delivery is compromised. The bluish tint occurs due to the presence of deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood vessels, making it clearly visible in areas with thinner skin, such as the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyelids, or vagina. In contrast, anemia refers to a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to pale appearance rather than a bluish tint. Icterus, or jaundice, is characterized by a yellowish coloring due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood and is unrelated to oxygen levels. Hypoxia describes a state of insufficient oxygen in the tissues, which can lead to cyanosis as a symptom, but it does not specifically refer to the bluish discoloration itself. Thus, cyanosis is the precise term for the bluish appearance caused by low oxygen, making it the correct answer.