Dive Physiology and Health Flashcards

Arterial gas embolism (AGE) is most likely caused by:

Answer: Holding the breath during ascent, causing lung over-expansion

Holding the breath during ascent traps expanding air that can rupture alveoli and allow gas bubbles into the arterial circulation.

A diver surfaces unconscious immediately after a rapid ascent. The most likely diagnosis is:

Answer: Arterial gas embolism

Immediate unconsciousness upon or shortly after surfacing strongly suggests arterial gas embolism from pulmonary barotrauma.

Which lung condition makes a diver particularly susceptible to pulmonary barotrauma?

Answer: Air trapping from asthma or lung cysts

Conditions that trap air in localized lung areas (e.g., asthma, cysts) prevent equalization of pressure during ascent, risking rupture.

Mediastinal emphysema after diving refers to air trapped in the:

Answer: Mediastinum (chest cavity around the heart)

Mediastinal emphysema is a type of pulmonary barotrauma where air escapes into the chest cavity surrounding the heart and major vessels.

Subcutaneous emphysema from diving barotrauma is characterized by:

Answer: Crackling sensation under the skin of the neck and chest

Air escaping into subcutaneous tissues causes a distinctive crackling (crepitus) felt when the skin of the neck or chest is touched.

Which statement about pneumothorax in diving is correct?

Answer: It occurs when air escapes into the pleural space between lung and chest wall

Pneumothorax occurs when ruptured alveoli allow air to enter the pleural space, collapsing the lung, and is a serious diving barotrauma.

What is the recommended treatment for arterial gas embolism?

Answer: Immediate recompression in a hyperbaric chamber with 100% O2

Recompression in a hyperbaric chamber reduces bubble size and restores circulation, and is the definitive treatment for AGE.