Occupational and Environmental Health: Recognizing and Preventing Disease and Injury - Multiple Choice Questions 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What is a significant characteristic of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)?

Rapid heartbeat

Severe headache leading to coma

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a life-threatening condition that can occur when a person ascends to high altitudes too quickly. It is characterized by brain swelling due to the body's inability to adapt to the decreased oxygen levels at high altitudes. Symptoms of HACE include severe headache, dizziness, confusion, and loss of coordination, which can progress rapidly to coma if left untreated. This is why option B, a severe headache leading to coma, is a significant characteristic of HACE.

Option A, rapid heartbeat, may be a symptom of other altitude-related conditions such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Option C, increased physical strength, is actually a myth and should not be used to determine if someone has HACE. Option D, enhanced visual clarity, is also a myth and may be a sign of oxygen deprivation in the brain, rather than

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Increased physical strength

Enhanced visual clarity

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy