Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What is a common physiological effect of high altitude exposure?

1. Increased metabolic rate

2. Decreased oxygen saturation

3. Improved muscle endurance

4. Enhanced physical performance

The correct answer is: Decreased oxygen saturation

When considering the physiological effects of high altitude exposure, a decrease in oxygen saturation is a well-documented response. At higher altitudes, the atmosphere has reduced pressure, which results in lower availability of oxygen. Consequently, as an individual ascends to elevations above sea level, the body struggles to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to a condition known as hypoxemia, where the saturation of oxygen in the blood decreases. The body attempts to compensate for this decreased oxygen availability through various mechanisms, such as increased heart rate and respiratory rate, and often leads to symptoms associated with altitude sickness. These adaptations illustrate the challenges that the body faces in obtaining sufficient oxygen in such environments. While other options may seem relevant, they do not accurately depict the common physiological changes induced by high altitude exposure. For instance, although metabolic rate can initially increase as the body attempts to acclimatize, it does not necessarily represent a typical or consistent effect among all individuals at altitude. Similarly, physical performance and muscle endurance may actually decline due to the lower oxygen availability, countering claims of enhancement. Thus, decreased oxygen saturation stands out as the most significant and immediate effect of altitude exposure on the human body.