Decompression sickness is caused by what process inside the body?

Decompression sickness is caused by what process inside the body?

• A. Decreased oxygen delivery to tissues
• B. Gas expanding or evolving within the body
• C. Elevated carbon dioxide levels in blood
• D. Hypothermia causing tissue damage

Answer: (B)

Decompression sickness happens when dissolved gases, mainly nitrogen, come out of solution as ambient pressure falls. Under high pressure, nitrogen builds up in tissues and blood; when ascent or pressure loss occurs rapidly, the dissolved gas forms bubbles that expand and accumulate in vessels and tissues. These bubbles disrupt blood flow, irritate nerves, and cause symptoms ranging from joint pain to dizziness or neuro deficits. This is about gas bubbles forming and growing inside the body, not about oxygen delivery, carbon dioxide buildup, or cold-related tissue damage. The bubbles themselves are the key mechanism driving DCS.

Decompression sickness happens when dissolved gases, mainly nitrogen, come out of solution as ambient pressure falls. Under high pressure, nitrogen builds up in tissues and blood; when ascent or pressure loss occurs rapidly, the dissolved gas forms bubbles that expand and accumulate in vessels and tissues. These bubbles disrupt blood flow, irritate nerves, and cause symptoms ranging from joint pain to dizziness or neuro deficits.

This is about gas bubbles forming and growing inside the body, not about oxygen delivery, carbon dioxide buildup, or cold-related tissue damage. The bubbles themselves are the key mechanism driving DCS.