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Dive Physiology and Health Flashcards

7 cards from real PADI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Dive Physiology and Health flashcards as text

  1. Which medical condition is an absolute contraindication to scuba diving?

    Answer: Spontaneous pneumothorax history without surgical correction

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

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

    Answer: Coughing up pink frothy sputum and difficulty breathing underwater

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

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

    Answer: Increases cardiovascular stress and can accelerate heat loss leading to incapacitation

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

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

    Answer: Sedation that can impair underwater judgment and mask DCS symptoms

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

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

    Answer: Immersion diuresis due to central blood volume shift

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

  6. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a diving risk because it:

    Answer: Allows venous bubbles to bypass the lungs and enter arterial circulation

    A PFO is an opening between heart chambers that allows venous nitrogen bubbles to enter arterial blood, increasing DCS and AGE risk.

  7. A diver with a recent ear infection should:

    Answer: Postpone diving until fully recovered and cleared by a physician

    Ear infections can impair Eustachian tube function, making equalization impossible and risking middle ear barotrauma or perforation.