ERAU Commercial Checkride Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Hypoxia is primarily caused by a lack of available oxygen in the environment or the body. This condition can occur at high altitudes, where the partial pressure of oxygen is lower, making it difficult for the body to obtain the oxygen needed for normal physiological functions. When the oxygen supply is reduced, cells and tissues do not receive enough oxygen to carry out their metabolic processes effectively, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, and impaired cognitive function.

Other factors mentioned, such as excessive O2 in the atmosphere, high carbon dioxide levels, or an excess of blood cells, do not directly lead to hypoxia. While high carbon dioxide levels can indicate poor respiratory function, indicating other serious issues, they do not directly cause hypoxia. Excessive oxygen would not create a hypoxic condition, as it typically provides more oxygen than the body requires. An increased number of blood cells can improve oxygen transport but does not directly result in hypoxia; rather, it could be a response to previous hypoxic conditions.