Which of the following is a common symptom of hypoxemia?

Shortness of breath, also referred to as dyspnea, is a common symptom of hypoxemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood. When the body does not receive adequate oxygen, it triggers various physiological responses. One of the primary responses is an increase in the respiratory rate in an attempt to take in more oxygen. This can lead to the sensation of shortness of breath. Patients may feel as though they can't catch their breath, leading to increased anxiety, further exacerbating the feeling of breathlessness.

While coughing, chest pain, and dizziness can occur in various clinical scenarios, they are not as directly indicative of hypoxemia as shortness of breath. Coughing typically relates to respiratory conditions or infections, chest pain may indicate cardiac issues, and dizziness can stem from several causes beyond oxygen deprivation. Thus, shortness of breath stands out as a hallmark symptom of hypoxemia due to its direct link to the body's urgent need for oxygen.