Decompression Illness Post Test

An understanding of Boyle’s law is fundamental in understanding diving physiology. Which of the following describes Boyle’s law?

Which of the following is not a cause of arterial gas embolism?

How do bubbles cause damage to tissues?

What symptoms does DCI usually present with?

How quickly do DCI symptoms usually come on?

Which of the following is not a risk factor for decompression illness?

How does musculoskeletal DCI usually present?

Which of the following is not an indication for recompression therapy?

A diver presents to the emergency department. 20 minutes after surfacing from his last dive he developed pain in his right shoulder. You see him 3 hours after he surfaced and he is now also complaining of some tingling over his posterior right forearm. He is alert and conscious. His observations show RR 18, Sats 100%, HR 95, BP 145/90, Temp 36.8C.

What is the first thing you should do?

A 67-year-old diver learnt to dive whilst on holiday in Egypt. He did not dive deeper than 18 m and had no problems on his dives. He returned 7 days ago. Today, he has been unable to move his right arm and so attends the emergency department. When taking a history he seems to be slightly slurring his words.

What is the most likely diagnosis?