Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

The normal arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) range for an average person at 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA) while breathing air is typically between 80 and 100 mmHg. This range is considered healthy and reflects the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs under normal physiological conditions.

PaO2 is an important measure of how well oxygen is able to move from the air into the blood and is influenced by factors such as altitude, age, and overall lung health. At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is around 760 mmHg, and the fraction of oxygen in the atmosphere is approximately 21%. This results in a higher concentration of oxygen available in the lungs, contributing to an PaO2 within the specified healthy range.

Understanding this range is crucial in the context of hyperbaric medicine, as deviations from normal PaO2 levels can indicate underlying respiratory problems or suggest that additional oxygen therapy may be required.