AEMCA Practice Exam

What are symptoms of type 1 decompression sickness?

1. Puritus and joint pain

2. Heart palpitations and dizziness

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Severe headaches and confusion

The correct answer is: Puritus and joint pain

Type 1 decompression sickness is characterized by symptoms that primarily affect the musculoskeletal and integumentary systems. The presence of pruritus, commonly referred to as "the bends," along with joint pain is indicative of this condition. These symptoms arise due to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body’s tissues when a person ascends too quickly after diving, disrupting normal physiological balance. Pruritus may manifest as an itchy sensation on the skin, while joint pain often presents in an acute, localized manner, typically in larger joints such as shoulders or knees. This indicates that these symptoms are directly related to the impact of decompression on the body’s vascular and neural systems, as nitrogen expands and causes discomfort. In contrast, the other symptoms listed, like heart palpitations and dizziness, nausea and vomiting, or severe headaches and confusion, can be indicative of other forms of decompression sickness or entirely different health issues. These are more commonly associated with type 2 decompression sickness, which involves more severe neurological or cardiovascular complications. Thus, understanding the specific symptomatology associated with type 1 decompression sickness helps in recognizing and effectively responding to such emergencies in diving scenarios.