FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Aeromedical Factors and ADMEasy
A pilot climbing without supplemental oxygen begins to feel euphoric and notices degraded night vision and slowed reaction time, though the pilot feels completely normal otherwise. This condition, caused by insufficient oxygen reaching the brain and other body tissues due to reduced partial pressure of oxygen at altitude, is best classified as which type of hypoxia?
- AHypemic hypoxia
- BStagnant hypoxia
- CHypoxic hypoxia
- DHistotoxic hypoxia
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Hypoxic hypoxia
Hypoxic hypoxia results from insufficient oxygen in the air being breathed, typically due to altitude, and is the most common form pilots encounter.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Hypemic hypoxia is caused by reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, such as from carbon monoxide or blood loss.
- B. Stagnant hypoxia results from poor blood circulation, such as from shock or extreme G-forces.
- D. Histotoxic hypoxia occurs when tissues cannot use oxygen properly, such as from alcohol or drug impairment.
Hypoxic Hypoxia
A deficiency of oxygen in the blood caused by insufficient oxygen in the inspired air, most commonly experienced at high altitude.
- Caused by low partial pressure of O2 at altitude
- Symptoms include euphoria, poor judgment, cyanosis
- Time of useful consciousness decreases with altitude
Memory trick: HHHS: Hypoxic, Hypemic, Histotoxic, Stagnant