Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What is another term for decompression sickness?

1. Nitrogen narcosis

2. Aquatic hypoxia

3. Diver's lung

4. Barometric shock

The correct answer is: Nitrogen narcosis

Decompression sickness is more commonly known as "the bends," a condition that can occur when a diver ascends too quickly, leading to nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream and tissues. While nitrogen narcosis refers to a different condition caused by the effects of nitrogen at depth, the term used for decompression sickness does indeed align with the concept of nitrogen's role in the body under pressure. As a diver descends, nitrogen gas from the air they breathe dissolves into their body tissue. Upon rapid ascent, this nitrogen can come out of solution and form bubbles, leading to symptoms of decompression sickness. The other options describe different phenomena. Aquatic hypoxia refers to a deficiency of oxygen in the water, which is not directly tied to the nitrogen issues that cause decompression sickness. Diver's lung is not a recognized medical term; while it may suggest respiratory issues related to diving, it doesn't specifically refer to decompression sickness. Barometric shock might allude to changes in pressure that can occur while diving, but it is not synonymous with decompression sickness.