Hypercapnia

Question 1

• an abnormally high level of carbon dioxide in the blood and body tissues.
• generally the result of a buildup of carbon dioxide in the breathing supply or an inadequate respiratory minute volume

Answer 1

Hypercapnia

Question 2

Sx:
(1) Increased breathing rate
(2) Shortness of breath
(3) Confusion or feelings of euphoria
(4) Inability to concentrate
(5) Increased sweating
(6) Drowsiness
(7) Headache
(8) Loss of consciousness
(9) Convulsions

Answer 2

Hypercapnia

Question 3

Treatment of Hypercapnia

Answer 3

(1) Decreasing the level of exertion to reduce CO2 production
(2) Increasing helmet and lung ventilation to wash out excess CO2
(3) Shifting to alternate breathing source or aborting the dive if defective equipment is the cause.