Treatment for hyperventilation

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 10 of 20 on Operations / Physiology. ACS element UA.V.E.K4 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONDuring an unexpected in-flight emergency, a remote pilot notices tingling sensations and lightheadedness and suspects hyperventilation. What does the Remote Pilot Study Guide recommend?

  1. ABreathe faster and deeper to increase oxygen intake until symptoms pass
  2. BSlow the breathing rate and talk aloud or breathe into a paper bag
  3. CHold the breath for as long as possible to restore oxygen balance
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Slow the breathing rate and talk aloud or breathe into a paper bag

  • A — incorrect Faster and deeper breathing is the cause of hyperventilation; it would drive carbon dioxide even lower and worsen the symptoms.
  • B — correct The study guide says breathing normally is the best prevention and cure, and that slowing the breathing rate, breathing into a paper bag, or talking aloud helps restore the proper carbon dioxide level.
  • C — incorrect The study guide's remedy is to return breathing to a normal rate, not to hold the breath; the problem is carbon dioxide loss, not oxygen balance.

BACKGROUND

Hyperventilation is an excessive rate and depth of respiration that leads to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood. The Remote Pilot Study Guide explains that treatment involves restoring the proper carbon dioxide level in the body. Breathing normally is both the best prevention and the best cure. In addition to slowing the breathing rate, breathing into a paper bag or talking aloud helps overcome hyperventilation, and recovery is usually rapid once the breathing rate returns to normal. Pilots encountering an unexpected stressful situation may subconsciously increase their breathing rate, so recognizing the symptoms early is important.

STUDY TIP

Remember that the cure is the opposite of the cause: slow the breathing down.

KEY POINTS

  • Treatment restores the proper carbon dioxide level.
  • Slow the breathing rate; breathing into a paper bag or talking aloud helps.
  • Recovery is usually rapid once breathing returns to normal.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch9 "Hyperventilation"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.