Which of the following is seen at high altitude:September 2011
Correct Answer: Low PaO2
Description: Ans. A: Low PaO2With increasing altitude, barometric pressure decreases, so the total pressure of the air decreases and pH2O and pCO2 remains constant So p02 and pN2 decreases progressively with heightHigh-altitude illnessUsually occurs at altitudes of over 1,500 m (4,921 ft)Caused primarily by hypoxia but is compounded by cold and exposure.Hypoxia is the main contributor to high-altitude illness.Atmospheric pressure and the paial pressure of oxygen decrease rapidly at increasing levels above the eah's surfacepCO2 and pH2O remain constant, pN2 also decreasesIt presents as one of three forms: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).Cardinal symptoms include dyspnea on exeion and at rest, cough, nausea, difficulty sleeping, headache and mental status changes.Treatment requires descent, and gradual acclimatization provides the most effective prevention.Acetazolamide is an effective preventive aid and can be used in ceain conditions as treatment.
Category:
Physiology
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