Basic Dive Medicine Flashcards
What are alveoli?
Small air sacs at the end of the bronchioles
What gas laws are applicable to the gas exchange process in the lungs?
Dalton’s Law (Partial Pressure)
Henry’s Law (Law of Absorption)
What direction do arteries carry blood?
Away from the heart
*oxygenated (blue)
What direction do veins carry blood?
To the heart
*deoxygenated (red)
Where does gas exchange take place?
Capillary Beds
What does O2 attach to in the blood?
Hemoglobin
What are the 3 main characteristics of CO?
1) Odorless
2) Tastless
3) Colorless
What produces CO?
Incomplete Combustion
What is the result of CO poisoning in the blood?
It displaces and blocks hemoglobin from picking up O2
What is hypoxia?
Lack of O2 to the bodily tissues
If O2 falls below what ata will hypoxia symptoms begin to occur on surface?
0.16 ata (16%)
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
Tiny - Tightness across the head Headhunters - H/A Practice - Pounding H/A Ninja - Nausea Chicken - Confusion Voodoo - Vomitting
- unconsciousness may be the first symptom without warning
What are the symptoms of Hypoxia?
CILLI WLD (silly world)
Cyanosis Increase HR & BP Lack of concentration Lack of muscle control Inability to perform difficult task
Weakness
LOC
Drowsiness
What is hypercapnia and what causes it?
CO2 Toxicity caused by high levels of CO2 in the tissues
What causes Hypercapnia?
1) Skip Breathing
2) Excessive Work at Depth
3) Over-breathing the Rig
What are the symptoms of Hypercapnia?
I CHILD
Increased Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate
Confusion
Headache
Inability to concentrate
Loss of consciousness (can be the 1st sx)
Drowsiness
What is Nitrogen Narcosis?
A narcotic effect on the CNS due to increased ppN2
What are the symptoms of Nitrogen Narcosis?
CLASI
Confusion Lack of concern for safety Apparent stupidity Sense of well being Impaired judgement
At what depth do you generally appearance symptoms of Nitrogen Narcosis?
130 fsw
What are the two type of O2 Toxicity?
1) CNS O2 Toxicity
2) Pulmonary O2 Toxicity
What must the ppO2 reach to encounter symptoms of CNS O2 Toxicity?
Usually not encountered unless ppO2 reaches or exceeds 1.6 ata
- can experience symptoms as low as 1.3 ata
What are the symptoms of CNS O2 Toxicity?
VENTTID-C
Vision - blurred/tunnel Ears - tinnitus or roaring Nausea Twitching/Tingling - facial or extremities Irritability - change in behavior Dizziness - clumsiness or incoordination Convulsions - CAN BE THE 1ST SYMPTOM
Below what core body temperature is considered hypothermic?
98 degrees F
What causes pulmonary O2 Toxicity?
Long exposures to increased ppO2
What are the symptoms of Pulmonary O2 Toxicity?
CBS
Coughing
Burning
Shortness of Breath (dyspnea)
Below what temperature of water is a wet suit recommended?
80 degrees F
Below what temperature of water is a Variable Volume Dry Suit or Hot Water Suit recommended?
40 degrees F
How long after after being off O2 can a O2 hit occur?
1 - 2 min
For a near drowning victim should you use the ABC or CAB Method?
ABC
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
What is the greatest risk of a near drowning victim after an incident?
Pneumonia
Wha are the 3 bones in the middle ear?
- Malleus (hammer)
- Incus (anvil)
- Stapes (stirrup)
What connects the middle ear to the back of the throat?
Eustachian Tubes
What are the two fibrous windows in the opposite side of the TM (tympanic membrane)
1) Oval Window
2) Round Window
What allows the divers to equalize pressure in the middle ear with the ambient pressure?
Eustachian Tubes
What is contained in the inner ear?
- Cochlea (snail shaped organ of hearing)
2. Vestibular Apparatus (organ of balance)
What is a barotrauma?
Damage to body tissues due to changes in ambient pressure
What is needed for a barotrauma?
GRAVE
Gas filled space Rigid walls Ambient pressure change Vascular penetration Enclosed space
What is a barotrauma in descent and ascent called?
Squeeze (descent) Reverse Squeeze (ascent)
What are the types of squeezes?
1) External Ear Squeeze
2) Middle Ear Squeeze *most common
3) Sinus Squeeze/Reverse Squeeze
4) Other
What are the two types of Transient Vertigo?
- Caloric (water temp difference)
2. Alternobaric (pressure imbalance)
What is a POIS?
Pulmonary Overinflation Syndrome;
over expansion of gas trapped in the lungs resulting in alveolar sac rupture
What are the six parts of a neurological exam?
1) Mental Status
2) Coordination
3) Motor *strength
4) Cranial Nerves
5) Sensory
6) Deep Tendon Reflexes
What is Cutis Marmorata?
Marbling
Itching and red/inflamed rash with central cyanotic (bluish) mottling on thorax, abdiomen (trunk) and shoulders
