Decompression Sickness Flashcards
What is absorbed into the blood and tissue when divers are at depth?
Nitrogen
Helium
What action causes the nitrogen and helium bubbles to be released into the tissue and lead to decompression sickness?
Diver ascending too fast
Type 1 decompression sickness (DCS) involves the __________, __________, __________, and __________.
1) Skin
2) Lymphatic System (Tonsils, Thymus, Spleen, Lymph Nodes, and Lymph Vessels)
3) Muscles
4) Joints
Which of the following would not be affected by Type 1 Decompression Sickness?
A) Muscles
B) Knee Joint
C) Inner ear
D) Tonsils
C) Inner ear
Remember that the tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, and the inner ear is affected by DCS 2
Which decompression sickness is life threatening?
Type 2 Decompression Sickness
What are common locations of joint pain seen in Type 1 Decompression Sickness ?
How is the pain usually characterized?
1) Outside of the Thorax
2) Knees
3) Ankle
4) Elbow
5) Wrist
Dull achy pain that is unable to be pinpointed
What are common Skin Symptoms of Type 1 Decompression Sickness?
1) Itching / Pruritus
2) Cutis Marmorata
What symptom of Type 1 Decompression sickness is characterized by a marbled bright red, purplish or even bluish pattern on the skin?
Cutis Marmorata
When a patient is suspected of having Type 1 Decompression Sickness, how do you rule out Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) and Type 2 Decompression Sickness?
Full Neurological Exam
What is the treatment for a patient with Type 1 Decompression Sickness?
1) FULL Neuro
2) 100% Surface Oxygen via Non-rebreather
3) Transport to Re-compression Chamber
What special instructions should be given if a patient with Decompression Sickness requires MEDEVAC via helicopter?
Maintain an altitude less than 1000ft
Type 2 Decompression Sickness symptoms are divided into what three categories?
1) Neurological
2) Inner Ear
3) Cardio Pulmonary
What are the symptoms of Neurological Decompression Sickness?
1) Numbness
2) Paresthesia’s
3) Muscle weakness
4) Mental status changes
5) Impaired urinary function
What are the symptoms of Inner Ear Decompression Sickness?
1) Tinnitus
2) Hearing Loss
3) Vertigo
4) Dizziness
5) Nausea
6) Vomiting
Which of the following is not a symptom of Neurological Decompression Sickness?
A) Numbness
B) Impaired Urinary Function
C) Dizziness
D) Mental Status Change
C) Dizziness
Its Inner Ear
What are the symptoms of Cardio Pulmonary Decompression Sickness?
1) Chest pain
2) Painful inspiration
3) Irritating Cough
4) Tachypnea
5) Lung congestion
6) Complete circulatory collapse
What is the treatment for Type 2 Decompression Sickness?
1) Full Neuro Exam
2) 100% Surface Oxygen via Non-Rebreather
3) Transport to Re-Compression Chamber
What is the treatment for Arterial Gas Embolism?
1) Full Neuro Exam
2) 100% Surface Oxygen via Non-Rebreather
3) Transport to Re-Compression Chamber
Pain of the muscles and joints, Marbling of the skin, and Swelling of the lymph nodes are symptoms of ____________.
Type 1 Decompression Sickness
PMS = Pain, Marbling, Swelling
What can be utilized to confirm the diagnosis of Type 1 Decompression Sickness / Rule out AGE and Type 2?
Neurological Exam
When a patient suspected of having Decompression Sickness presents with extremity numbness, muscle pain and joint pain, what physical exam would you want to do along with the neurological exam?
MSK
Dad Jokes:
Why can’t you send a duck to space?
Because the bill would be astronomical
