During which stage of hypoxia are symptoms such as drowsiness and poor judgment observed?

During the compensatory stage of hypoxia, the body begins to react to the reduced oxygen levels and can display symptoms such as drowsiness and poor judgment. This stage occurs as the body attempts to adapt to lower oxygen availability.

In this phase, individuals may not be fully aware of their declining cognitive function, leading to poor decision-making and decreased awareness of their surroundings. The body's compensatory mechanisms, such as increased heart rate and breathing, can mask the initial feelings of hypoxia, but as the stage progresses, more pronounced symptoms including drowsiness will be experienced.

Recognizing these symptoms is critical, as they can impair the ability to respond effectively in situations requiring quick thinking and coordination, which are vital for safe flight operations.