PADI Dive Physiology and Health 5

Question 1

Which medical condition is an absolute contraindication to scuba diving?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous pneumothorax history without surgical correction

Answer

A history of spontaneous pneumothorax without surgical correction is a standard absolute contraindication because of the high risk of recurrence under pressure.

Question 2

Immersion pulmonary edema (IPE) in divers is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Coughing up pink frothy sputum and difficulty breathing underwater

Answer

IPE involves fluid accumulating in the lungs during immersion, causing respiratory distress, coughing, and frothy sputum, particularly in cold water or with heavy exercise.

Question 3

How does cold water immersion affect a diver's risk profile?

Accepted Answer

Increases cardiovascular stress and can accelerate heat loss leading to incapacitation

Answer

Cold water causes vasoconstriction, increased cardiac workload, and accelerated core heat loss, all of which elevate dive risk.

Question 4

A diver who takes certain antihistamines before diving should be aware that these drugs may cause:

Accepted Answer

Sedation that can impair underwater judgment and mask DCS symptoms

Answer

First-generation antihistamines cause sedation and can interact with nitrogen narcosis, impairing performance and masking medical symptoms.

Question 5

Which physiological effect of diving increases urine production and can lead to dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Immersion diuresis due to central blood volume shift

Answer

Water pressure causes blood to shift centrally, triggering the kidneys to produce more urine (immersion diuresis), which can dehydrate divers.

PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors Practice Test

PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors Practice Test

PADI Dive Physiology and Health 5