Respiratory Effects of Altitude

Question 1

What is hypoxia?

Answer 1

Lack of oxygen to the tissues sufficient to cause impairment of function.

Question 2

What is hypoxic hypoxia?

Answer 2

Reduced diffusion of oxygen from alveoli to blood (lack of oxygen in the atmosphere)

Question 3

What is hypaemic hypoxia?

Answer 3

Reduced ability of blood to transport oxygen

Question 4

What is stagnant hypoxia?

Answer 4

Reduced blood flow to tissues

Question 5

What is histotoxic hypoxia?

Answer 5

The inability of cells to utilize oxygen

Question 6

Why is CO2 composition at 15,000 feet lower than at 10,000 feet?

Answer 6

Hyperventilation reduces CO2 from teh blood.

Question 7

What is the TUC at 25,000 feet?

Answer 7

3-5 mins

Question 8

Can hypoxia occur below 10,000 feet? What are some airborne factors?

Answer 8

• Exercise at altitude
• Workload
• Rate of ascent
• Cold

Question 9

What actions would you take for hypoxia?

Answer 9

• Select 100% oxygen - back up supply
• Check connections push only
• Descend immediately
• LAND ASAP
• NOTIFY ATC
• ASSESSMENT BY AVMO

Question 10

What is oxygen paradox?

Answer 10

A worsening of hypoxia symptoms with oxygen, STAY ON OXYGEN

Question 11

What is hyperventilation?

Answer 11

Breathing faster and deeper than needed for the removal of carbon dioxide.