North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A common consequence of too rapid ascent from a dive is decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends." This condition occurs when a diver ascends too quickly, leading to a rapid decrease in pressure. During a dive, the body absorbs nitrogen from the breathing gas due to increased pressure underwater. When ascending, if the pressure drops too quickly, the nitrogen that was dissolved in the body can form bubbles. These bubbles can cause a range of symptoms, including joint pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, can lead to serious complications or even death.

Understanding this condition is essential for divers, as it emphasizes the importance of ascending slowly and conducting safety stops during a dive to allow excess nitrogen to safely leave the body. While barotrauma, hyperoxia, and hypothermia are also potential risks associated with diving, they arise from different mechanisms and circumstances rather than the rate of ascent specifically.