AP103 Flashcards
What are the physiological effects of altitude?
Altitude is a threat that causes a disruption of O2 to the body and/or to the brain.
What is the most dangerous form of hypoxia and what is it caused by?
Hypoxic Hypoxia, caused by altitude
What do all forms of hypoxia have in common?
The all disrupt O2 delivery to the brain
What type of hypoxia has the fastest recovery time and how fast is it?
Hypoxic hypoxia, within 3 to 4 breaths
What is a basic definition of hypoxic hypoxia?
A form of hypoxia caused by altitude that creates a deficiency in alveolar O2 exchange.
How much can rapid decompression reduce your time of useful consciousness?
Up to 50%
When can rapid decomp happen?
AT ANY TIME
What is the most important thing to know about the symptoms of hypoxic hypoxia?
Know your own symptoms
What is the main treatment for an hypoxic individual?
Provide them O2
What is hypocapnia and how is it caused?
Low CO2 levels and is the result of eliminating too much CO2 from your body. Excessive rate of breathing and/or an excessive depth of breathing can cause hypocapnia.
What are some of the causes of hypocapnia?
- Emotional Stress
- Hypoxic Hypoxia
- Improper Pressure Breathing
All physiological symptoms of hypoxia or hypocapnia are treated differently, T/F? If true or false, explain the treatment
True, normalize and control rate and depth of breathing.
What are the 4 trapped gas disorders?
- Ear Block
- Sinus Block
- GI Symptoms
- Tooth Pain
What two trapped gas disorders are caused from moving from an area of low pressure to an area of high pressure?
Ear and sinus block
What two trapped gas disorders are caused from moving from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure?
GI and tooth pain
What is the main prevention for hypocapnia?
Control your breathing
What is the treatment for an ear block?
Valsalva, swallowing, yawning
What is the treatment for sinus block?
Level off or gain altitude and Valsalva
When should you Valsalva?
Only on descent
What should you do if you experience tooth pain during flight?
Descend and immediately report the issue to the flight surgeon
What is the most common type of Decompression Sickness and where does it manifest?
The Bends, it manifests in the joints or/and as muscle pain.
What can help with Decompression Sickness?
100% O2
If you are experiencing the Bends, what should you do?
Immobilize the area
What is decompression sickness caused by?
Nitrogen coming out of solution in the tissues and blood
What is the most dangerous characteristic of hypoxic hypoxia?
Its insidious onset
What are some general signs and symptoms of hypoxia?
Blurring and impaired vision, hot or cold flashes, dizziness, light headedness, euphoria, tingling
What is time of useful consciuousness
The period of time from interruption of the oxygen supply to the time when useful function is lost
