Initial management for decompression sickness.

Initial management for decompression sickness.

• A. Oral antihistamines
• B. High flow oxygen and IV fluids
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Answer: (B)

The first priority in decompression sickness is to maximize oxygen delivery and support perfusion to promote bubble resolution. Give 100% oxygen right away to accelerate nitrogen washout from tissues and bubbles and to improve oxygen delivery to ischemic areas. Start intravenous fluids, typically normal saline, to maintain circulating volume, reduce blood viscosity, and support circulation so bubbles can be cleared more effectively. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the treatment that directly addresses the gas bubbles by delivering 100% oxygen at increased pressure, which further reduces bubble size and speeds nitrogen elimination. It should be arranged as soon as the patient is stabilized and transportable. The other options do not address the gas embolism and are not appropriate as initial management.

The first priority in decompression sickness is to maximize oxygen delivery and support perfusion to promote bubble resolution. Give 100% oxygen right away to accelerate nitrogen washout from tissues and bubbles and to improve oxygen delivery to ischemic areas. Start intravenous fluids, typically normal saline, to maintain circulating volume, reduce blood viscosity, and support circulation so bubbles can be cleared more effectively.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the treatment that directly addresses the gas bubbles by delivering 100% oxygen at increased pressure, which further reduces bubble size and speeds nitrogen elimination. It should be arranged as soon as the patient is stabilized and transportable. The other options do not address the gas embolism and are not appropriate as initial management.