For clients with cystic fibrosis exercising at high altitude, which statement is most accurate?

• A. There is no risk of oxygen desaturation.
• B. Supplemental oxygen is never needed.
• C. Desaturation risk can increase and monitoring is not required.
• D. Desaturation risk can increase and supplemental oxygen may be required.

Answer: (D)

High altitude reduces the amount of oxygen available in the air, so exercising there places extra demand on the lungs. For someone with cystic fibrosis, whose lung function is already compromised, this increases the likelihood that blood oxygen saturation will drop during activity.

Because of that, monitoring oxygen levels during exercise is important, and supplemental oxygen may be needed to keep saturations in a safe range. This is why the statement that desaturation risk can increase and supplemental oxygen may be required is the most accurate: it acknowledges the elevated risk at altitude and the potential need for oxygen to maintain adequate oxygenation.

Statements claiming no risk, or that oxygen is never needed, are inconsistent with how reduced ambient oxygen at altitude affects someone with CF. Also, assuming monitoring isn’t required ignores safety practices that help prevent hypoxemia during exertion.