Question

Which of the following would you recommend for a diver suffering from decompression sickness? A. Administration of helium gas B. Administration of a gas and air mixture, which contains 50 percent nitrous oxide C. Confinement in a hypobaric chamber D. Confinement in a hyperbaric chamber

Short answer

D. Confinement in a hyperbaric chamber

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Condition

Decompression sickness, also known as 'the bends,' is a condition caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues due to a rapid decrease in pressure.

Analyzing Each Option

Examine the options to see which treatment is effective for decompression sickness: A. Administration of helium gas B. Administration of a gas and air mixture, which contains 50 percent nitrous oxide C. Confinement in a hypobaric chamber D. Confinement in a hyperbaric chamber

Option A: Helium Gas

Helium gas is not commonly used to treat decompression sickness. It is more relevant in specialized breathing mixes for deep-sea divers to reduce the risk of nitrogen narcosis.

Option B: Nitrous Oxide Mixture

The administration of a gas and air mixture which contains 50 percent nitrous oxide is not appropriate because nitrous oxide does not address the formation of nitrogen bubbles.

Option C: Hypobaric Chamber

A hypobaric (low pressure) chamber is not suitable for treating decompression sickness. Instead of reducing pressure, we need to increase it to help dissolve the nitrogen bubbles.

Option D: Hyperbaric Chamber

A hyperbaric (high pressure) chamber is the correct treatment for decompression sickness. It increases pressure, helping nitrogen bubbles dissolve back into the blood and tissues.

Selecting the Best Option

Based on the analysis, the best treatment for decompression sickness is confinement in a hyperbaric chamber.

Key concepts

hyperbaric chamber

A hyperbaric chamber is a crucial tool in the treatment of decompression sickness. The chamber generates increased atmospheric pressure, significantly higher than the normal environmental level.
This rise in pressure helps nitrogen bubbles in the diver's bloodstream to dissolve back into the tissue, thus reducing harmful effects.
For divers experiencing decompression sickness, time is crucial. Immediate confinement in a hyperbaric chamber can reverse symptoms effectively.
Key benefits include:

• Increased oxygen delivery to tissues
• Reduced risk of severe illness or death
• Faster recovery times

Understanding the function and benefits of a hyperbaric chamber is essential for safe diving practices and effective emergency responses.

nitrogen bubbles

Nitrogen bubbles are at the heart of decompression sickness. These bubbles form in the bloodstream and tissues when a diver surfaces too quickly.
At depths, divers breathe compressed air, which contains nitrogen. This nitrogen can dissolve in the tissues due to the high pressure underwater.
If the ascent is too rapid, the pressure decreases too quickly and nitrogen comes out of solution, forming harmful bubbles. Think of it like opening a soda bottle too quickly—carbonation bubbles form rapidly.
These nitrogen bubbles can cause:

• Joint pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Severe neurological issues

Proper ascent practices and knowledge about nitrogen absorption are essential to prevent decompression sickness.

high pressure therapy

High pressure therapy involves exposing patients to substantial atmospheric pressure within a controlled environment, like a hyperbaric chamber.
This therapy is instrumental in treating decompression sickness by forcing nitrogen bubbles to dissolve back into the bloodstream and tissues.
Besides treating decompression sickness, high pressure therapy is also beneficial for:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Wound healing
• Infections
• Gas embolism

The basic principle involves using controlled high pressure to enhance the body's natural healing processes. This method is safe and widely recognized for its effectiveness in emergency and therapeutic settings.

decompression sickness

Decompression sickness, often referred to as 'the bends,' is a condition caused by a drop in pressure that leads to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the blood and tissues.
Common in divers, it can also affect pilots and astronauts due to rapid pressure changes.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:

• Joint pain
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Neurological deficits

Treatment typically involves high pressure therapy in a hyperbaric chamber to remargin the nitrogen bubbles.
Understanding decompression sickness is vital for anyone involved in activities susceptible to rapid pressure changes. Proper training, awareness, and swift treatment can prevent severe outcomes.