environmental considerations Flashcards
what are some examples of environmental conditions
altitude
heat and humidity
lightning
what are the altitude considerations
density of the air decreases progressively with ascension above sea level
decreased partial pressure of ambient oxygen
increases difficulty to deliver oxygen to working muscles
what is acute mountain sickness
hypoxia at high altitude
rapid ascent to altitude above 8200 ft (<24h)
what are the s/s of acute mountain sickness (10)
4-8h after arriving: headache dizziness fatigue nausea vomiting suppressed appetite insomnia dyspnea decreased urine output tachycardia
what is the management for acute mountain sickness
reduction in altitude, acclimatization
physical conditioning
diets high in CHO and low in salt
avoid alcohol
what is a secondary complication for acute mountain sickness
high altitude cerebral edema or pulmonary edema
what is hypotremia
exercising that leads to low blood Na+
drinking excessive amounts of water thus diluting the Na+ content of blood
loss of Na+ through sweat
arginine vasopressin (increased fluid reabsorption)
what are the s/s hyponatremia (10)
headache confusion nausea cramping bloating stomach loc altered significant mental compromise swelling in extremities seizures
what does measuring the heat stress index mean
measure the ambient air temperature, humidity and solar radiant energy
what is ambient temp
air temp
what is wet bulb temp
temp recorded by a thermometer bulb surrounded by a wet wick (used by AT)
what is black globe temp
measures radiant energy temp
temp and level of risk <18 18-23 23-28 >28
low
moderate
high
extreme/hazardous
what are heat cramps
painful involuntary muscle spasms caused by excessive water and electrolyte loss
what is a heat syncope
fainting episode pr dizziness that usually occurs with a prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position
