Dive Physiology and Health Flashcards

What condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the tissues and bloodstream upon ascent?

Answer: Decompression sickness

Decompression sickness (DCS) results from dissolved nitrogen coming out of solution and forming bubbles in the body when ascent is too rapid.

Which organ is most sensitive to the neurological effects of decompression sickness?

Answer: Spinal cord

The spinal cord is particularly vulnerable to Type II (neurological) DCS, which can cause paralysis or sensory disturbances.

A diver experiences joint pain and fatigue after surfacing. These are classic symptoms of which DCS type?

Answer: Type I DCS

Type I DCS involves musculoskeletal pain (the 'bends') and constitutional symptoms like fatigue, without neurological involvement.

What is the primary first aid treatment for any suspected decompression sickness?

Answer: 100% oxygen and evacuation to a recompression chamber

Administering 100% oxygen and arranging transport to a hyperbaric chamber is the standard emergency response for DCS.

Repetitive dives increase DCS risk because:

Answer: Residual nitrogen accumulates from previous dives

Residual nitrogen from earlier dives adds to nitrogen absorbed on subsequent dives, increasing total tissue nitrogen load.

Which factor does NOT increase a diver's risk of decompression sickness?

Answer: Slow ascent rate

A slow ascent rate reduces DCS risk; it is a protective factor, not a risk factor.

The recommended maximum ascent rate according to PADI guidelines is:

Answer: 9 m/min

PADI recommends ascending no faster than 9 meters (30 feet) per minute to allow safe off-gassing.