Altitude-Related Factors - ATP Flight School Flashcards
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What is hypoxia?
A state where the body’s organs (especially the brain) do not get enough oxygen.
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What are the four types of hypoxia?
Hypoxic, hypemic, stagnant, histotoxic.
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What is hypoxic hypoxia?
Insufficient oxygen available to the body. The type of hypoxia you get at high altitude without supplemental oxygen or pressurization.
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What is hypemic hypoxia?
When the blood is unable to take up and transport sufficient oxygen. Most common form is carbon monoxide poisoning, since CO binds to hemoglobin tighter than oxygen.
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What is stagnant hypoxia?
When blood does not flow effectively to tissues that need oxygen. Can be caused by heart disease or by excessive G forces.
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What is histotoxic hypoxia?
When cells are poisoned and cannot use oxygen effectively. Can be caused by alcohol or other drugs, or by cyanide poisoning.
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What are common symptoms of hypoxia?
Cyanosis (blue fingernails and lips), headache, decreased reaction time, impaired judgment, euphoria, visual impairment, drowsiness, lightheadedness/dizziness, tingling in fingers and toes, numbness.
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Why can it be hard for pilots to recognize and take action against hypoxia?
Symptoms come on gradually. Not all pilots experience the same symptoms in the same order. Euphoria and impaired judgment are common early symptoms - being hypoxic makes it harder to recognize hypoxia.
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For a normal healthy pilot, symptoms of hypoxia start to occur around what altitude?
12,000 feet
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What should a pilot do if they recognize they are experiencing hypoxia?
Start using supplemental oxygen (if available) and descend to a lower altitude.
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For the best protection from hypoxia, at what altitude does the FAA recommend using supplemental oxygen?
Above 10,000 feet during the day, and above 5,000 feet at night.
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What causes ear or sinus block?
The middle ear and sinuses have small openings to the nose/throat that allow them to equalize pressure with the outside air. If congestion narrows or blocks these passages, it creates a pressure differential, which causes unpleasant symptoms.
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During what phase of flight do ear and sinus blocks most commonly occur?
Descent
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What are common symptoms of ear block?
Severe ear pain, some loss of hearing, possible rupture of the eardrum.
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What are common symptoms of sinus block?
Severe pain in the sinus area, ache in the upper teeth, possible dischage of bloody mucus from the nose.