PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What type of Decompression Illness (DCI) might a diver suspect if they complain about pain in the elbow and shoulder after surfacing?

1. Type II DCS

2. Type I DCS

3. Type III DCS

4. Type IV DCS

The correct answer is: Type I DCS

A diver experiencing pain in the elbow and shoulder after surfacing may be indicating symptoms consistent with Type I Decompression Sickness (DCS). Type I DCS is characterized by symptoms affecting the skin, joints, and muscles, often referred to as "the bends". This typically includes joint pain, which can manifest in areas such as the shoulders, elbows, and other joints. The pain arises due to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body's tissues and joints during decompression. These bubbles can lead to localized swelling and inflammation, causing the characteristic pain associated with Type I DCS. The symptoms tend to occur shortly after the diver surfaces, aligning with the timing of the incident in the question. In contrast, other types of DCS, like Type II, primarily affect the central nervous system and can lead to more serious neurological symptoms, while Type III and Type IV deal with other specific physiological aspects. However, the specific presentation mentioned in the question aligns most closely with the symptoms typical of Type I DCS.