Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What term describes divers who make fast ascents?

1. Barotrauma

2. Decompression sickness

3. Hypoxia

4. Nitrogen narcosis

The correct answer is: Decompression sickness

The term that describes divers who make fast ascents is decompression sickness. This condition occurs when divers ascend too quickly, leading to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues as the pressure decreases. During a proper ascent, divers allow dissolved gases in their bodies, mainly nitrogen absorbed at higher pressures, to safely return to the surface without forming bubbles that can block blood vessels or cause other serious complications. When divers ascend rapidly, these nitrogen bubbles can cause symptoms ranging from joint pain and rashes to more severe neurological issues and even death, depending on the severity of the condition. Recognizing and understanding decompression sickness is crucial for divers and rescuers to prevent and treat this potentially life-threatening situation effectively. The other terms relate to different underwater hazards but do not specifically refer to the fast ascents made by divers. Barotrauma refers to injuries caused by pressure changes affecting air-filled spaces in the body. Hypoxia denotes a deficiency of oxygen reaching tissues, which can also occur underwater but is not a direct result of rapid ascent. Nitrogen narcosis, often called "rapture of the deep," is a condition caused by the anesthetic effect of nitrogen at high pressures and is not specifically linked to ascent rates.