PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What is the purpose of decompression models?

1. To increase the amount of nitrogen absorbed

2. To prevent nitrogen from dissolving in the blood

3. To reduce the risk of decompression sickness

4. To measure a diver's oxygen levels

The correct answer is: To reduce the risk of decompression sickness

The purpose of decompression models is primarily to reduce the risk of decompression sickness. These models take into account the physiological effects of diving, particularly the absorption and release of inert gases, such as nitrogen, during ascent and descent. When a diver descends, nitrogen is absorbed into the tissues, and as the diver ascends, it is released. If this ascent is too rapid, dissolved nitrogen can form bubbles in the body, leading to decompression sickness, which can have serious physical consequences. Decompression models provide guidelines for safe ascent rates, allowing divers to off-gas nitrogen gradually. By following these models, divers can significantly minimize their risk of developing decompression sickness, ensuring a safer diving experience. The other options do not align with the function of decompression models. The goal is not to increase nitrogen absorption or prevent its dissolution in the blood, but to manage the release of nitrogen during ascent. Moreover, measuring a diver's oxygen levels is beyond the scope of what decompression models address, which focuses specifically on inert gas dynamics related to pressure changes in diving.