When instructed by ATC to "climb to requested altitude," to what altitude should you continue your climb after reaching 4,500' MSL?

When air traffic control (ATC) instructs a pilot to "climb to requested altitude," it implies that the pilot should ascend to the altitude that has been specifically requested or cleared by ATC. If the clearance was specifically for an altitude above your current altitude of 4,500 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), continuing your climb to 5,500 feet MSL is appropriate.

In this context, choosing 5,500 feet MSL demonstrates an understanding that you need to comply with ATC's instruction, which assumes that the requested altitude was higher than your current position. This is important for maintaining safe separation from other aircraft and following the procedures set forth during the flight.

The other options represent altitudes that either do not comply with the instruction to climb (like 4,000 and 4,500 feet MSL) or may not be relevant unless explicitly mentioned in any prior ATC conversation. The correct choice reflects adherence to standard operating procedures and communication protocols in aviation.