Decompression Pathophysiology

Question 1

DCI

Answer 1

Decompression Illness= AGE+DCS type 1 and 2

Question 2

DCS type 1
type 2
type 3

Answer 2

1) MSK- unilateral joint or muscle pain, typically shoulder, elbow or knee, lymphatic, dermatological
2) neurologic, cardio-respiratory, audio-vestibular, shock, cutis marmorata. change to LoC
3) AGE followed by type 2 dcs symptoms- severe and often often refractory.

Question 3

nitrox pros

nitrox drawbacks

Answer 3

Pros: longer bottom time, less deco stops req, longer repetitive dives, decreased SI’s
Cons: increased O2 tox risk, fire and explosion damage, less forgiving, costly, safety protocols req

Question 4

POIS

Answer 4

Pulmonary Over Inflation Syndrome
overinflation of lungs caused by gas expanding due to a decrease in total pressure=bubbles in circulatory system.

Manifests as
subQ emphysema
mediastinal Emphysema
AGE

Question 5

Treating DCI

Answer 5

HBOT

increase Po2 and decrease Pn2 and force body to offgas more N2 by creating a N2 gradient
giving O2 also provides )2 to under oxygenated or areas of decreased perfusion.

Question 6

Table 5 or table 6 HBOT?

Answer 6

table 5: mild type 1 symptoms

table 6: no resolution of symptoms w/in 10 mins or if symptoms persist

Question 7

S&S of 02 Tox

Answer 7

Con-VENTID

Convulsions
Visual disturbances
ear issues
nausea
tingling/twitching
irritability 
dizziness

pulmonary- substernal burning

Question 8

DCI adjunct therapy

Answer 8

IV fluids/ oral rehydration
anticoagulants
NSAIDs
100% high flow O2- not under