Drowning and Scuba Diving

Question 1

when submerged into water the body naturally holds its breath. eventually the body will overide and force an involuntary breath. what part of the brain stem facilitates this?

Answer 1

medulla oblongata

Question 2

laryngospasm

Answer 2

the larynx spam to try to protect the airway from water entry but it leads to more severe hypoxia

Question 3

when water gets into the lungs it washes away an important chemical that is critical for keeping the alveoli open

Answer 3

surfactant

Question 4

without surfactant there is an increase of surface tension in the alveoli. the alveoli will collapse and can leade to what conditons?

Answer 4

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Question 5

what are key factors affecting survial

Answer 5

• duration of immersion
• temperature of water
• age of patient

Question 6

what is the mammalian dive reflex?

Answer 6

this reflex when submerged in clod icy water slows down the heart rate and redirects blood flow to vital organs, decreases MVO2

Question 7

under water pressure increases with depth. for every ______ft/ _____m of water depth pressure doubles

Answer 7

33 ft, 10m

Question 8

boyles law

Answer 8

volume of gass decreases as pressure increases

Question 9

what is decompression sickness (the bends)

Answer 9

caused by a rapid asent and the formation opf nitrogen bubbles in tissues

Question 10

how is baro trauma caused due to scuba injuries?

Answer 10

its cause by the changes in pressure affecting air filled spaces like lungs and sinuses

Question 11

barotrauma - SQUEEZE

Answer 11

air or gas in your sinuses or ears is compressed/ expanded causing pain

Question 12

synptoms of squeez baro trauma?

Answer 12

• pain
• fullness
• headache
• disorentation
  -vertigo nausea
• bleeding from nose/ ears

Question 13

Barotrauma - POP (pulmonary overpressure syndrome

Answer 13

the gas in your lungs expand rapidly inside the lungs during assent if diver holds their breath, causing lung damage

Question 14

S/S of POPs

Answer 14

• hoarsness
• neck fullness
• SOB
• dysphagia
• SUB Q emphysema
• gradually increasing substernal chest pain

Question 15

type 1 decompression sickness symptoms

Answer 15

• blotchy itchy rash
• joint pain of elbos and knees
• fatigue and weakness

Question 16

decompression sickness type 2 S/S

Answer 16

pulmonary issues like chest pain and difficulty breathing
- potential cardiac issues
- neurological symptoms ; stroke like , confusion, disturbed vison, facial paralysis, dizziness