AEMCA Practice Exam

The staggers in diving are associated with what symptoms?

1. Severe skin rashes and dehydration.

2. Balance issues, partial deafness, vertigo, and nausea.

3. Intense muscle pain and spasms.

4. Extreme fatigue and loss of appetite.

The correct answer is: Balance issues, partial deafness, vertigo, and nausea.

The symptoms associated with staggers in diving primarily include balance issues, partial deafness, vertigo, and nausea. Staggers, often linked to the effects of gas embolism or inner ear disturbances related to pressure changes during diving, can significantly impact a diver's ability to maintain their orientation and stability. When divers experience staggers, the disruption in the vestibular system leads to symptoms such as vertigo, which is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, and can result in feelings of nausea. The presence of balance issues indicates that the diver is struggling to keep their equilibrium due to the impact on their vestibular function. Partial deafness may occur due to the pressure differentials affecting the inner ear, which is critical for both hearing and balance. In the context of diving, these symptoms are serious as they can compromise a diver's safety and ability to navigate underwater effectively. The symptoms presented in the other options, such as severe skin rashes and dehydration, are not typically associated with staggers but might be linked to other conditions or issues faced by divers. Intense muscle pain and spasms can occur in cases of decompression sickness or other injuries, while extreme fatigue and loss of appetite are more general concerns that do not specifically relate to the typical