Which describes signs of pulmonary oxygen toxicity?

• A. Burning sensation upon inhalation
• B. Shortness of breath after exposure
• C. Nosebleeds
• D. Dizziness during recovery

Answer: (B)

Pulmonary oxygen toxicity develops after prolonged exposure to high oxygen levels and mainly shows up as respiratory symptoms from inflammation of the lungs. The most consistent early sign is shortness of breath that appears after the exposure period, reflecting that the lung tissue is becoming irritated and gas exchange is impaired. Cough and chest tightness can accompany it, but the key feature is dyspnea after exposure.

The other options don’t fit as well. A burning sensation upon inhalation is more of a local irritation and isn’t the classic description of pulmonary toxicity. Nosebleeds aren’t a typical consequence of oxygen toxicity. Dizziness during recovery points more toward central nervous system oxygen toxicity, which occurs with high oxygen exposure over a shorter time and has symptoms like dizziness, visual changes, or seizures rather than the pulmonary lung-tissue symptoms described here.