DIVE MEDICINE Flashcards
WHAT IS HYPOXIA?
abnormal deficiency of o2 in the arterial blood.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HYPOXIA? (5)
1- improper line up 2- blockage of airway 3- breathholding 4- collapse lung (pneumothorax) 5- co poisoning
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOXIA? (5)
1- CYANOSIS 2- loss of judgment/ concentration 3- drowsiness and weakness 4- aggitation and euphoria 5- unconsciousness
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HYPOXIA? (3)
1- 100% o2
2- switch to secondary air source
3- seek medical assistance
WHAT IS HYPERCAPNIA?
abnormal high carbon dioxide in the blood and tissue
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HYPERCAPNIA? (2)
1- skip breathing
2- inadequate ventilation
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPERCAPNIA? (8)
heavy work load, shortness of breath
confusion, headache, nausea
dizziness, loss of concentration and convulsions
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HYPERCAPNIA? (3)
1- 100% O2
2- VENTILATE
3- switch to secondary air source
WHAT IS IMERSION PULMONARY EDEMA?
imersion in water causing a leakage in the circulatory system and accumulate first in the interstitial tissues of the lungs.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF IPE?
immersion in cold water, negative pressure breathing, over hydration.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF IPE? (3)
coughing, shortness of breath.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR IPE? (3)
100%o2
transport medical facility
24hr observation
WHAT IS CO POISONING?
abnormal high levels of carbon monoxide in blood caused by bad gas absorption. Co blocks hemoglobin ability to delivery o2 to the cells, causing cellular hypoxia. CAUSES : from compressor intake/ overhaul- suspect bad gas.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING? (5)
1- tightness across the forehead 2- headache 3- nausea 4- bad taste in mouth 5- inability to concentrate
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR CO POISONING? (3)
1- 100 o2
2- seek medical (hyperbaric treatment) or TT5
3- TT6 severe
WHAT’S THE PRE REC FOR BAROTRAUMA?
GRAVE
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ TREATMENT FOR A MIDDLE EAR SQUEEZE? (5)
1- SHARP pain in ear
2- vertigo, fullness in ear
3- hearing loss, bloody nose
TREATMENT:
ENT
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS/ SYMPTOMS/ TREATMENT FOR IEB?
1- NYSTAGMUS 2- persistent vertigo, hearing loss 3- tinnitus, nausea, vommitting 4- bubbling in ear, loss of balance/ concentration 5- painful w/ head position- PRESSURE.
CAUSES: mostly on descent/ surge/ surf
TREATMENT: ENT
- when in doubt to rule out AGE/ DCS, recompress SLOWLY w/ head position in upright, no BIBBS
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS/ SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT FOR STAGGERS (INNER EAR DCS)?
1- NO NYSTAGMUS
2- difficulty walking, vomit, nausea
3- hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness
CAUSES: mostly on HE/O2 DIVES
WHAT ARE MEDIAL STINAL AND SUBCUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA?
causes are from coughing or breath holding in ascent, or a blow to the chest.
SYMPTOMS:
1- MILD/ MODERATE CHEST pain behind breast bone.
2- DULL ache, coughing, tightness
3- RADIATE SHOULDER AND BACK
4- pain may increase upon inspiration
5- fullness around neck, voice change
TREATMENT:
100% O2
recompress only by discretion of DMO when ruled out PNEUMOTHORAX.
WHAT IS PNEUMOTHORAX?
SYMPTOMS: 1- SHARP/ SUDDEN PAIN 2- shortness of breath 3- laboured breathing 4- weak pulse/ anxiety 5- guarded. 6- CYANOSIS
2 TYPES:
SIMPLE (one time leakage)
TENSION: trapped in plural space (most serious)
TREATMENT:
100% O2
if AGE/DCS is suspect, may recompress tip depth of relief until thoracic cavity can be properly vented.
WHAT IS CNS O2 TOXICITY?
VENTID C
TREATMENT:
ascend, off o2, switch to secondary air source
What is DCS? TYPE 1: (not life threatning)
• usually on deeper or shallow- longer dives
• gradual or suden onset >:10
• most often diving w/o appropriate stop.
• SYMPTOMS:
o Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, knee, ankle (joints)
o Pain, marbling, swelling
o May worsen when movement
o Can not pin point
• TREATMENT:
o 100% O2
o TT5 (if not severe)
What is DCS TYPE II?
• NEUROLOGICAL/ INNER EAR (STAGGERS)/ CARDIO PULMONARY (CHOKES)
• SYMPTOMS:
o NEURO: numbness, tingling, prickling, PINS AND NEEDLES, creeping, electric sensation, paralysis, muscle weakness, mental status change, bizarre behavior
o STAGGERS: tinnitus, hearing loss, vomiting, nausea, NO NYSTAGMUS
o CHOKES: burning sensation in the chest upon deep inhalation.
• TREATMENT:
o 100% O2
o TT6/ TT6A – severe/ unchanged or worsen
• note:
o upon receiving treatment, no diving until after 30 days having no neurological deficit. If showing any signs after 30 days, patient needs a BUMED waiver.
