FAA Ground School Practice Test

Which of the following is most likely to cause hyperventilation?

1. Physical exertion

2. Emotional tension, anxiety, or fear

3. Excessive altitude

4. Inadequate oxygen supply

The correct answer is: Emotional tension, anxiety, or fear

Hyperventilation is a condition characterized by rapid or deep breathing that results in an increased loss of carbon dioxide from the blood. Among the various factors that can lead to hyperventilation, emotional tension, anxiety, or fear is a significant contributor. When an individual experiences high levels of stress or anxiety, the body's fight-or-flight response is activated. This physiological response often entails increased respiratory rates as the body prepares to handle a perceived threat. The rapid breathing can inadvertently lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels, which may result in symptoms such as lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, and sometimes even fainting. While physical exertion can also lead to changes in breathing patterns, it usually correlates with an increased oxygen demand rather than anxiety-driven hyperventilation. Excessive altitude can cause other issues like hypoxia due to lower oxygen availability but doesn't directly induce hyperventilation as a primary factor. Similarly, inadequate oxygen supply typically leads to slower, more labored breathing as the body attempts to obtain more oxygen rather than hyperventilation, which is associated more with overbreathing in response to emotional states. Therefore, emotional tension, anxiety, or fear is most likely to cause hyperventilation due to the body's immediate response