Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

What is the critical time frame within which irreversible brain damage is likely to occur due to lack of oxygen?

1. 0-1 minute

2. 4-6 minutes

3. 6-10 minutes

4. More than 10 minutes

The correct answer is: More than 10 minutes

When considering the time frame for irreversible brain damage due to lack of oxygen, the best answer is the one that corresponds to the well-established medical understanding of neurological hypoxia. Typically, brain cells can survive only a few minutes without oxygen. The critical time frame within which irreversible damage is likely to occur is generally accepted to be around 4 to 6 minutes. After this period, the risk of permanent brain injury significantly increases. In cases where oxygen supply is completely cut off, brain cells are particularly vulnerable as they are highly metabolic and require a constant supply of oxygen to function properly. Beyond this 4 to 6 minute window, damage may begin to occur that cannot be reversed. After 10 minutes without oxygen, substantial and often irreversible brain damage is almost guaranteed as the neurological tissue succumbs to prolonged deprivation. Thus, the correct response highlights the importance of rapid intervention in situations involving oxygen deprivation, emphasizing the critical window for potential recovery for brain tissue following hypoxia.