A 30-year-old lady who often lives in Florida (height near sea level) is planning a week-long business trip to La Paz, Bolivia (elevation 3,600 m [11,900 ft]). Unremarkable medical history. Which physiologic alteration is anticipated throughout the patient's week in La Paz?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: To sustain enough O₂ delivery to the tissues in the hypoxic environment at high altitude, a variety of physiological reactions occur. These include aldosterone suppression to lower plasma volume, increased sympathetic activity to enhance cardiac output, and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (increased pulmonary vascular resistance).

A 30-Year-Old Lady Who Often Lives in Florida (Height near Sea