Exploring the Dangers of Rapid Ascent for Divers

What medical problem can occur if a diver ascends much too rapidly for nitrogen to be slowly released?

A. Hypothermia

B. Decompression sickness (DCS)

C. Oxygen toxicity

D. Sea sickness

Answer:

When a diver ascends too rapidly, they can develop decompression sickness (DCS), also known as 'the bends.'

When a diver ascends too rapidly, it can lead to a medical condition known as decompression sickness (DCS), also referred to as 'the bends.' This condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the blood due to the rapid decrease in pressure.

As the diver ascends quickly, the ambient pressure decreases, causing dissolved nitrogen to be released from the blood as bubbles. These bubbles can block blood vessels and result in symptoms such as rashes, joint pain, paralysis, and in severe cases, even death.

To prevent decompression sickness, divers should ascend slowly or make decompression stops at various depths during their ascent. By allowing nitrogen to be slowly released from the body, the risk of developing DCS can be significantly reduced.

In cases where a diver does develop decompression sickness, hyperbaric oxygen therapy in decompression chambers may be used as a treatment to help alleviate symptoms and improve diver's condition.