Which combination represents three early signs of hypoxia in an unacclimatized patient during flight?

Which combination represents three early signs of hypoxia in an unacclimatized patient during flight?

• A. Headache, dizziness, and fever
• B. Headache, dizziness, and syncope
• C. Dizziness, confusion, and tachycardia
• D. Headache, dizziness, and confusion

Answer: (D)

Cerebral hypoxia from reduced oxygen at altitude produces early neurologic signs in someone who isn’t acclimatized. Headache arises as the brain reacts to lower oxygen delivery and blood flow, dizziness reflects impaired brain and vestibular function, and confusion shows the impact on higher cognitive centers. These three together capture the initial, detectable effects of hypoxia before more severe signs develop. Fever isn’t caused by hypoxia, and syncope tends to occur later as oxygen deprivation worsens. Tachycardia can occur, but it doesn’t define the early triad with headache and confusion.