Flight Physiology Flashcards
True or False
Atmospheric Composition remains the same regardless of the altitude.
True
When altitude increases there is a _______ in atmospheric pressure. (Flying)
When altitude decreases there is a ________ in atmospheric pressure. (Diving)
Decrease
Increase
What is an accurate measurement of barometric pressure at sea level?
760 mmHg = 1 ATM = 14.7 lbs at sea level
When diving the pressure of water increase 1 ATM (14.7 lbs) every _____ feet of depth?
33 feet
What are the layers of the atmosphere in order from the earths surface?
1) Troposphere
2) Stratosphere
3) Mesosphere
4) Thermosphere
What is the Universal Gas Law?
States that Gas molecules will move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
What is Boyle’s Law?
When temperature remains constant, the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to it’s pressure.
P1 V1 = P2 V2
As Altitude INCREASES, Barometric Pressure DECREASES, and the Volume of Air INCREASES. (Boyle’s Ballon)
What is Charles’ Law?
At a constant pressure, the volume of gas is directly proportional to its temperature.
V1 / T1 = V2 / T2
As Altitude INCREASES, Temperature DECREASES, and Volume DECREASES.
What is the Ideal Gas Law?
It states that the amount of gas is determined by its pressure, volume, and temperature.
pV = nRT
Overall, stating that despite the drop in temperature, the larger drop in pressure causes the volume in the ballon to increase. (Boyle’s Ballon)
What is Dalton’s Law?
The total pressure of a gas mixture is the sum of the individual partial pressure of all the gasses in the mixture. (“Daltons Gang”).
Pt = P1 + P2 + P3 + P4 + ……….
As barometric pressure decreases, the molecules in the atmosphere will spread out. (less gas = less total O2 available) (Boyle’s Law)
What is the oxygen-adjustment calculation needed for transporting oxygen dependent patient’s altitude?
( %FiO2 x P1 ) / P2 = %FiO2 for altitude
%FiO2 = Concentration of Inspired Oxygen P1 = Barometric pressure prior to ascent P2 = Barometric pressure at altitude
For every increase of 1000 feet in altitude the temperature will ____________?
Decrease by 2 degrees Celsius.
What is Henry’s Law?
The amount of gas in a solution is proportional to the partial pressure of gas in contact with the liquid. (soda can)
P = k C
Example: A diver will have increased nitrogen absorbed into blood at depth and as barometric pressure decreases (ascending) it will move out (“the bends”). (like opening a soda can)
What is Gay-Lussac’s Law?
For a fixed amount of gas at a fixed volume, pressure is proportional to temperature.
P1 / T1 = P2 / T2
As Pressure INCREASES, Temperature will INCREASE
What is Graham’s Law?
The less dense the gas, the more rapidly it will diffuse through the air.
Lighter the gas the faster it will diffuse through air.
What is Hypoxic Hypoxia?
Inadequate oxygenation secondary to reduced partial pressures of oxygen in inspired air. (Boyle’s Law)
Not enough O2 for the RBC
What is Anemic (Hypemic) Hypoxia?
Inadequate tissue oxygenation secondary to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
RBC can not carry Oxygen or not enough RBC
What is Stagnant Hypoxia?
Inadequate tissue oxygenation secondary to blood moving slowly.
RBC moving slowly
What is Histotoxic Hypoxia?
Inadequate tissue oxygenation secondary to metabolic disorder or poisoning of the cytochrome oxidase enzyme system resulting in cellular inability to utilize oxygen.
RBC cannot use oxygen
What is Effective Performance time (EFP) in relation to Hypoxia?
The amount of time a crew member is able to perform useful flight duties in an environment of inadequate oxygen
What is Time of Useful Consciousness (TUC) in relation to Hypoxia?
Time from exposure to an oxygen-deficient environment to the point at which a useful level of consciousness is lost.
What is:
Barotitis Media, Barosinusitis, and Barodontalgia?
Barotitis Media - Air moving in the Ear
Barosinusitis - Air moving in the sinus cavities
Barodontalgia - Air moving within teeth and gums (poor dental work)
A pressurized aircraft cabin simulates what altitude?
5,000 - 8,000 feet
Night Vision is lost at what altitude?
5,000 feet
How are most patients loaded in the aircraft?
Along the long axis of the aircraft due to gravitational forces that can be experienced during flight.
