Flight Physiology

Question 1

Describe Boyle’s Law and give the formula.

Answer 1

“Boyle’s Balloon”. As altitude increases, volume expands. P1V1 = P2V2. P1 is the starting atmosphere, P2 is the atmospheres at the highest altitude you will reach. V1 is starting volume, V2 is highest volume you’ll reach.

Question 2

What is atmospheric pressure at sea level?

Answer 2

760mmHg or 29.92inHg or 14.7psi or 1atm

Question 3

How many atmospheres would 380mmHg be?

Answer 3

0.5atm

Question 4

What happens to a pneumothorax during ascension? What should you do before takeoff?

Answer 4

Increases in size. Check lung sounds.

Question 5

What is standard ETT cuff pressure?

Answer 5

20-30cmH20

Question 6

What do you do with gravity fluids prior to takeoff?

Answer 6

Put them on a pressure bag at 300mmHg, then titrate using the clamp.

Question 7

What is Barotitis Media and how can we treat it?

Answer 7

Air in the Eustachian tube expands, allowing air to build up in the middle ear. Only descent problem. Treat with Valsalva maneuver, pinch nose closed, bear down.