Which statement about decompression sickness is true?

Which statement about decompression sickness is true?

• A. It is caused by microbubbles formed only in the lungs.
• B. It resolves spontaneously without treatment.
• C. It is never life-threatening.
• D. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a definitive treatment.

Answer: (D)

Decompression sickness arises when inert gas (usually nitrogen) comes out of solution and forms bubbles as a person ascends. These bubbles can occur in the blood and throughout tissues, so symptoms may involve joints, skin, nerves, lungs, or brain. The condition can be life-threatening, especially with neurological or pulmonary involvement. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the definitive treatment because placing the patient under higher ambient pressure compresses the bubbles (Boyle’s law) and accelerates inert gas dissolution. Breathing 100% oxygen under pressure also significantly speeds nitrogen washout and improves tissue oxygenation, reducing ischemia and inflammation. While supplemental oxygen and supportive care are important, they do not substitute for definitive hyperbaric treatment in most cases. The other statements are incorrect: bubbles are not confined to the lungs; decompression sickness can be serious and sometimes fatal; and it does not reliably resolve on its own without treatment.

Decompression sickness arises when inert gas (usually nitrogen) comes out of solution and forms bubbles as a person ascends. These bubbles can occur in the blood and throughout tissues, so symptoms may involve joints, skin, nerves, lungs, or brain. The condition can be life-threatening, especially with neurological or pulmonary involvement.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the definitive treatment because placing the patient under higher ambient pressure compresses the bubbles (Boyle’s law) and accelerates inert gas dissolution. Breathing 100% oxygen under pressure also significantly speeds nitrogen washout and improves tissue oxygenation, reducing ischemia and inflammation. While supplemental oxygen and supportive care are important, they do not substitute for definitive hyperbaric treatment in most cases.

The other statements are incorrect: bubbles are not confined to the lungs; decompression sickness can be serious and sometimes fatal; and it does not reliably resolve on its own without treatment.