Final answer:
Chronic hypoxemia can result in an increase in the production of RBCs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic hypoxemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood, can lead to an increase in the production of red blood cells (RBCs) through a process called erythropoiesis. When the body senses a decrease in oxygen levels, it stimulates the kidneys to produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which triggers the bone marrow to produce new RBCs. This increased production of RBCs helps to compensate for the lower oxygen saturation and ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues.