Deck 19: High Altitude and Its Effects on the Cardiopulmonary System

Question 1

What is the most prevalent acid-base abnormality among natives at high altitudes?

A) mild respiratory acidosis
B) mild respiratory alkalosis
C) mild metabolic acidosis
D) mild metabolic alkalosis

Answer 1

B

Question 2

After what duration at a high altitude will the peripheral chemoreceptors acclimate to the lower PO2?

A) 48-72 hours
B) They do not acclimate to a decreased PaO2
C) 24-48 hours
D) 12-24 hours

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which of the following are true regarding high altitude natives compared to lowlanders?
I. Natives have a lower P(A-a)O₂
II. Natives have an increased DLCO
III. Natives have a lower PaO₂ at rest and exercise

A) I only
B) I, II, and III
C) I and II only
D) II only

Answer 3

I and II only

Question 4

What is the blood's adaptive response to low oxygen levels resulting from residing at high altitudes?

A) megacythemia
B) leukocytosis
C) polycythemia
D) anemia

Question 5

Which receptors are stimulated by the drop in PaO2 that occurs when lowlanders travel to high altitudes?

A) proprioceptors
B) central chemoreceptors
C) peripheral chemoreceptors
D) baroreceptors

Question 6

Which hormone is released from the kidneys in response to hypoxia?

A) aldosterone
B) erythropoietin
C) RHF
D) HVR

Question 7

What would the P_IO₂ equal at the summit of Mount Everest where the P_B is 253 mm Hg?

A) 43 mm Hg
B) 159 mm Hg
C) 79 mm Hg
D) 100 mm Hg

Question 8

What impact does initial high altitude exposure have on the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference?

A) It is not affected by changes in altitude
B) It is increased
C) It is normal but will increase during exercise
D) It is decreased

Question 9

Which of the following simulates a continuous low barometric pressure environment?

A) hypoxicator
B) low flow oxygen system
C) cuirass
D) negative pressure ventilator

Question 10

How do the VCs lowlanders who ascend to high altitudes compared to those born and raised at high altitudes?

A) After 2-3 days, the VCs are the same size
B) The VCs of native high altitude residents remain larger
C) After 2-3 months, the VCs are the same size
D) After 2-3 weeks, the VCs are the same size

Question 11

In a healthy individual, how is ventilation and perfusion affected by high altitude exposure?

A) Only ventilation is increased
B) Only perfusion is increased
C) Both ventilation and pulmonary perfusion are increased
D) Ventilation is increased and pulmonary perfusion decreases slightly

Question 12

In high altitude natives, where are high concentrations of myoglobin located?
I. Diaphragm
II. Myocardium
III. Pectoral muscles
IV. Adductor leg muscles

A) II only
B) I only
C) I, II, III, and IV
D) I and II only

Question 13

What is the term for the body's compensatory responses to relocation to a high altitude from seal level?

A) adaptation
B) accommodation
C) acclimatization
D) adjustment

Question 14

For what duration do adaptive changes occur in the blood after ascent to high altitudes?

A) 6 weeks
B) 48-72 hours
C) 12-24 hours
D) 1 week

Question 15

The hypoxic ventilator response (HVR) works to minimize the drop in what levels?

A) RBC levels
B) alveolar PaO2
C) CO2
D) PO2

Question 16

What changes will occur in the VC and PEFR within 24 hours of ascent to a high altitude?

A) VC will decrease and PEFR will increase
B) PEFR will decrease and VC will increase
C) both will decrease
D) both will increase

Question 17

Which breathing pattern is often initially seen in lowlanders who ascend to high altitudes?

A) Biot's
B) Kussmaul's
C) Cheyne-Stokes
D) apneusis

Question 18

What of the following primarily controls the phenomenon of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction?

A) central chemoreceptors
B) P_AO₂
C) PaO₂
D) baroreceptors

Question 19

How is cardiac output and oxygen uptake affected by prolonged exposure to high altitudes?

A) Both are slightly decreased
B) Both are the same as at sea level
C) Both are increased
D) Cardiac output is increased but oxygen uptake is the same as at sea level

Question 20

To derive physiologic benefits from altitude training, athletes can use what resource?

A) high-altitude lodging
B) hypobaric chambers
C) sleep deprivation
D) helicopter flights

Question 21

What is the best treatment for high altitude pulmonary edema?

A) rest and IV fluids
B) rapid descent and oxygen therapy
C) oxygen therapy and rest
D) IV fluids and oxygen therapy

Question 22

What is another name for Monge's disease?

A) high altitude cerebral edema
B) high altitude pulmonary edema
C) acute mountain sickness
D) chronic mountain sickness

Question 23

What cardiac change is associated with Monge's disease?

A) right ventricular hypertrophy
B) aortic valve stenosis
C) left ventricular hypertrophy
D) mitral valve stenosis

Question 24

Following ascent by lowlanders to high altitudes, when do symptoms of acute mountain sickness normally appear?

A) 1-6 hours
B) 24-36 hours
C) 12-24 hours
D) 6-12 hours

Question 25

Which abnormality is characterized by photophobia, ataxia, hallucinations, and clouding of consciousness?

A) Monge's disease
B) high altitude pulmonary edema
C) acute mountain sickness
D) high altitude cerebral edema