Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What phenomenon describes the sensation of vertigo when viewing the shadow of the rotor wing?

1. Motion sickness

2. Flicker vertigo

3. Spatial disorientation

4. Altitude sickness

The correct answer is: Flicker vertigo

The sensation of vertigo experienced when viewing the shadow of the rotor wing is attributed to flicker vertigo. This phenomenon occurs due to the fluctuating visual input created when the rotor blades cut through sunlight, producing rapidly changing patterns of light and shadow. These alternating patterns can confuse the brain’s balance and spatial orientation systems, leading to feelings of nausea, dizziness, and disorientation typical of vertigo. Flicker vertigo is particularly relevant in aviation and helicopter transport contexts, where the rapid motion of rotor blades in direct sunlight creates a strobing effect. This shifting visual stimulus is distinct from other types of vertigo that may arise from different causes, such as physical movement or changes in altitude. Therefore, understanding flicker vertigo can aid transport nurses in anticipating and managing the risks associated with patient transport in rotor-wing aircraft, ensuring the safety and comfort of both patients and medical personnel during flight.