PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What contributes to the risk of DCS after diving?

1. High blood pressure

2. Deep sea diving only

3. Altitude changes soon after diving

4. All divers experience this risk

The correct answer is: Altitude changes soon after diving

Diving can induce the risk of Decompression Sickness (DCS), and one of the significant contributing factors to this condition is altitude changes soon after diving. When a diver ascends from depth, their body absorbs nitrogen from the surrounding water. If a diver then ascends to higher altitudes, the decreased atmospheric pressure at altitude can lead to a rapid release of nitrogen from the tissues. This rapid release may cause nitrogen bubbles to form, leading to DCS, which can manifest in various symptoms from mild to severe. While factors such as high blood pressure and specific dive conditions may increase the risk of DCS, altitude changes post-dive are particularly critical since they directly influence the pressure relationship and can trigger symptoms of DCS even if the diver may not have initially been at risk. Although all divers experience some level of risk when diving, the specific focus of the question is on the factors that can exacerbate this risk, making altitude changes after diving a particularly crucial consideration.