FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is a primary effect associated with carbon monoxide exposure?

1. Increased alertness

2. Improved reaction time

3. Decreased muscular power

4. Greater endurance

The correct answer is: Decreased muscular power

Carbon monoxide exposure primarily affects the body's ability to transport oxygen, leading to a decrease in muscular power. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells much more effectively than oxygen does, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be carried to muscles and vital organs. This lack of oxygen affects physical performance and capacity, manifesting as reduced strength and endurance, which in turn leads to decreased muscular power. Understanding this physiological impact is crucial for pilots and those in aviation, as it can significantly impair performance and spatial awareness, ultimately affecting safety during flight operations. Therefore, among the given choices, the decrease in muscular power is a direct consequence of carbon monoxide's harmful effects on the body's oxygen delivery system.