Scuba Diving International (SDI) Computer Nitrox Practice Exam

What are the most common symptoms of decompression sickness?

1. Pain in the joints, numbness, paralysis

2. Headaches and dizziness

3. Fatigue and shortness of breath

4. Coughing and fever

The correct answer is: Pain in the joints, numbness, paralysis

Decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," results from a rapid change in pressure that can cause nitrogen dissolved in the bloodstream to form bubbles. The symptoms of decompression sickness are primarily due to these bubbles affecting various tissues and organs in the body. Pain in the joints is one of the hallmark signs; divers commonly report this as deep, aching pain often described as similar to the sensation of being hit or bruised. Numbness and paralysis can occur when nitrogen bubbles affect the nervous system, potentially leading to neurological symptoms. Thus, the presence of joint pain, along with neurological symptoms, clearly indicates decompression sickness and reflects how the condition manifests in the diver's body after experiencing a rapid ascent or insufficiently managed decompression stops. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for divers, as recognizing them early can lead to prompt treatment, which is essential for recovery from decompression sickness.