Hypoxia and Hyperventilation Flashcards
What are the two main gases and their percentages in the atmosphere?
Nitrogen 78%, Oxygen 21%, Other 1%( Argon, Carbon Dioxide, etc)
T or F: The amount of available oxygen decreases as we go up in altitude
True, the higher we go, the less oxygen molecules there are
T or F: The percentage of oxygen decreases as we go up in altitude
False, the relative amount of oxygen is a constant (Always 21%, but partial pressure decreases)
What is the temperature lapse rate when ascending altitude?
-2 degrees Celsius per 1000 ft
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
To intake oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (inhale O2, exhale CO2)
What is Hypoxia?
A deficiency of oxygen in the blood, cells, or tissue to cause a functional impairment
What are the 4 types of Hypoxia?
Hypoxic (Altitude), Stagnant, Hypemic (Anemic), Histotoxic
What is Hypoxic Hypoxia?
Altitude Hypoxia, lack of available oxygen molecules in the air (can exist at all levels, effects don’t show until 5000 ft especially at night)
What is Stagnant Hypoxia?
Blood flow becomes compromised, sufficient oxygen cant get to cells. (Stagnant means diminished flow, can be caused by G maneuvers)
What is Hypemic/Anemic Hypoxia?
Blood cells cant carry oxygen molecules (Carbon monoxide poisoning, CO2 has 250 times more affinity than oxygen, thus it competes with it)
What is Histotoxic Hypoxia?
Target cell is abnormal, likely due to a toxin (Alcohol, cyanide)
Match the following scenarios with their types of hypoxia:
- G force maneuver
- Alcohol
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- 10,000 ft altitude
- G force (Stagnant)
- Alcohol (Histotoxic)
- Carbon monoxide (Hypemic)
- 10,000ft (Hypoxic)
What are 4 Objective signs of Hypoxia?
Cyanosis (blue lips, fingernails
Mental confusion
Euphoria
Decreased reaction time
T or F: Decompression of pressure cabin is the most common incident of Hypoxia
True (32%) , next is Failure of Oxygen regulator (25%), then Other (17%)
What are 4 Subjective signs of Hypoxia?
Air hunger
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
What are 3 factors that can influence hypoxia?
Fitness
Rate of Ascent
Acclimatization
What is your EPT at 18,000 ft? 25,000 ft? 50,000 ft?
18,000: 20-30 mins
25,000: 3-5 mins
50,000: 9-12 seconds
What is hyperventilation?
Exceeding the normal ventilation rate. Breathing out so fast that your body can’t keep up and removes too much CO2 from your body, potentially causing unconsciousness
What are 3 causes of Hyperventilation?
- Stress (Physical, emotional, environmental)
- Improperly sized equipment
- Hypoxia
T or F: The objective and subjective effects of Hyperventilation and Hypoxia are largely similar
True
What is the one different effect in Hyperventilation that is not present in Hypoxia?
Tetany (involuntary muscle spasms)
According to the BGA, at what cabin altitude will supplemental oxygen be used at all times?
> 10,000 ft
According to the BGA, if you are operating at cabin altitude >8000 ft for >4 hours you shall ________________
Use supplemental oxygen, with a minimum interval of 60 minutes below 5000 ft due to risk of Acute Mountain Sickness
What is Dalton’s Law?
The total pressure of a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of partial pressures PT = P1 + P2 + P3. P(760) = P(N) + P(O) + P(Other)
At what altitude does the atmospheric pressure half?
18,000 ft (Becomes 50% of sea level density, 15 mmHg)
What are the 5 phases of respiration (VDTDU)
Ventilation
Diffusion
Transport
Diffusion
Utilization
What are the two circulatory subdivisions called?
Pulmonary (heart and lungs) and Systemic (rest of body)
