Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

If a passenger is hyperventilating, how long might it take to reverse their symptoms?

1. 1-2 minutes

2. 5-10 minutes

3. 15-20 minutes

4. 30 minutes or more

The correct answer is: 5-10 minutes

Reversing the symptoms of hyperventilation typically takes around 5-10 minutes, making this the most accurate choice. During hyperventilation, a passenger breathes rapidly, leading to an imbalance in carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the body. The immediate goal is to help the individual slow their breathing and regain control, which can often be achieved by encouraging paced breathing techniques. Within a few minutes of applying these techniques, like breathing into a paper bag or employing deep breathing exercises, the person can start to feel relief as their body recalibrates its carbon dioxide levels. The time frame of 5-10 minutes reflects the general effectiveness of these interventions in addressing the physiological changes caused by hyperventilation, allowing the passenger to recover and feel more stable. Longer durations, such as 15-20 minutes or more, may indicate that the situation is more complex or worsening rather than simply hyperventilation. Therefore, 5-10 minutes is the most appropriate estimate for symptom reversal in typical cases of hyperventilation.