Question

What reaction to altitude seems to put people at the highest risk for developing acute mountain sickness?

a.excessive plasma volume response
b.inadequate EPO response
c.inadequate ventilatory response
d.excessive heart rate response

Answer 1

An inadequate ventilatory response to high altitude puts individuals at the highest risk for developing acute mountain sickness. Adequate breathing adjustments are crucial for maintaining proper oxygen levels in the blood. Ascending gradually to high altitudes can help the body acclimatize and reduce the risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction to altitude that seems to put people at the highest risk for developing acute mountain sickness (AMS) is c. inadequate ventilatory response. When individuals rapidly ascend to high altitudes, they may experience a reduced ventilatory response, meaning their breathing is not sufficiently increasing to compensate for the lower partial pressure of oxygen in the air. Without adequate ventilation, the individual cannot maintain sufficient oxygen saturation in their blood, leading to hypoxemia - a hallmark of AMS.

During acclimatization, the body makes various physiological changes to adapt to the lower oxygen availability. The kidneys produce more erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the production of more red blood cells. This helps transport more oxygen in the blood. However, if the body cannot increase ventilation adequately, this compensatory mechanism is not enough to prevent AMS.

Other factors that may increase the risk of AMS include excessive plasma volume response, inadequate EPO response, and excessive heart rate response, but the primary issue is related to inadequate ventilation. For this reason, individuals are advised to ascend gradually to high altitudes to allow their bodies time to acclimate and minimize the risk of AMS.

Answer 2

An inadequate ventilatory response puts individuals at the highest risk for developing acute mountain sickness (AMS), as it prevents adequate adjustment to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When it comes to acute mountain sickness (AMS), the reaction that seems to put people at the highest risk for developing this condition is an inadequate ventilatory response to altitude. AMS occurs as a result of acute exposure to high altitudes where there is a low partial pressure of oxygen. People at the highest risk are those whose respiratory systems do not adjust adequately by increasing the breathing rate to compensate for lower oxygen levels in the air. Altitude sickness is characterized by symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness, which are a direct result of low oxygen levels in the tissues and blood. In contrast, an excessive plasma volume response, inadequate EPO (erythropoietin) response, and excessive heart rate response are not as closely linked to the immediate risk of developing AMS.

Acclimatization is crucial for preventing AMS, which involves gradually allowing the body to adapt to the lower oxygen levels by producing more red blood cells through increased EPO secretion and adjusting respiratory patterns to efficiently use the available oxygen. An inadequate response by the respiratory system to the low oxygen environment can therefore put individuals at a higher risk of AMS. It's important for individuals ascending to high altitudes to acclimate gradually, take preventive medication if necessary, and maintain proper hydration to minimize the risk of AMS. If symptoms manifest, the primary treatment remains descent to a lower altitude, potentially alongside supplemental oxygen or pharmacological support. The correct option in the final answer here is (c) inadequate ventilatory response.