[Expert Solution]: Mary Jones aged 79, has been admitted to…

Mary Jones aged 79, has been admitted to the ward with an exacerbation of her Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). She was a very heavy smoker most of her life and quit 2 years ago. She is very breathless on admission and requires assistance with transfers and ADL’s. At home Mrs Jones use a ‘gopher/ electric wheelchair’ to mobilise longer distances. Mrs Jones always has portable oxygen with her at home on oxygen 2L/min via nasal prongs. On admission Mrs Jones vital signs are: Temperature 38.1; Pulse 112 and regular; Respirations 24; BP- 145/90; Oxygen saturation 89% on 2L O2 via nasal prongs. You observe her to have peripheral cyanosis, and she is dyspnoeic. Mrs Jones has COPD as her diagnosis. Using your knowledge of physiology, pathophysiology and assessment skills; explain why Mrs Jones is peripherally cyanosed?