Altitide Threats

Question 1

Hypoxia

Answer 1

O2 deficiency that causes impairment of function

Question 2

Types of hypoxia

Answer 2

Hypoxic- reduction of P02 in the blood
Hypemic- O2 carrying capacity of blood is reduced
Stagnant- pooling of blood
Histotoxic- delivery of 02 to cells can’t be used for energy

Question 3

Factors influencing hypoxia

Answer 3

Altitude, rate of pressure change, duration of exposure, individual tolerance, physical activity and self-imposed stress

Question 4

Signs of hypoxia

Answer 4

increase in rate and or depth of breathing, cyanosis or bluing of the skin, mental confusion, poor judgement, loss of muscle coordination and unconsciousness

Question 5

Symptoms of hypoxia

Answer 5

Dizziness, fainting, hot and cold flashes, blurred vision, tunnel vision, tingling and numbness

Question 6

Time of useful consciousness

Answer 6

FL180
20 to 30 minutes

TUC can be reduced by 50% if pressure loss is rapid

Question 7

Treatment of hypoxia

Answer 7

100% oxygen
Breathe at a rate and depth slightly less than normal until symptoms disappear
Descend below 10,000 ft asap

Question 8

Hyperventilation

Answer 8

Breathing is abnormally increased resulting in a loss of C02 from the blood and increasing the alkalinity of the blood

Question 9

Causes of hyperventilation

Answer 9

Voluntary

Involuntary

Question 10

Signs of hyperventilation

Answer 10

Increased rate and depth of breathing, muscle tightness and twitching, paleness, cold clammy skin, muscles spasms, rigidity and unconsciousness

Question 11

Symptoms of hyperventilation

Answer 11

Dizziness, faintness, slight nausea, numbness, tingling or coolness and muscle tremors

Question 12

Treatment of hyperventilation

Answer 12

Max 02
Breathe at a rate and depth slightly lower than normal
Descend below 10,000 ft

Question 13

Trapped gas disorders

Answer 13

Boules law results in the volume of gases in the body increasing as pressure altitude decreases

Question 14

Valsalva maneuver

Answer 14

Equalizes air pressure in the ears

Question 15

Delayed ear block

Answer 15

Can occur 2-6 hours after landing

Fix with valsalva

Question 16

Sinus block

Answer 16

Blockage of the sinus due to boyles law

Question 17

Types of decompression sickness

Answer 17

The bends-nitrogen bubbles in the joints
Neurological manifestations-nitrogen bubbles in the brain or spine
Chokes-small bubbles in the trachea
Skin manifestations-bubbles n the skin
Delayed reactions-DCS occurring up to 24 hours after a flight

Question 18

Factors affecting decompression sickness

Answer 18

Increased rate of ascent
Physical activity
Prior injury
Age
Repeated exposure
Dehydration
Diving

Question 19

Prevention of decompression sickness

Answer 19

Aircraft pressurization

Denitrogenation

Question 20

Treatment of decompression sickness

Answer 20

Max O2
Descend
Consult a flight surgeon