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Decompression illness — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardEnvironmental MedicineDecompression illnessDIPIMCDipIMC

A recreational scuba diver surfaces and within an hour develops joint pains, a blotchy rash and increasing breathlessness with confusion. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: B — Give high-flow oxygen and fluids, and arrange recompression

The post-dive joint pains, rash and neurological features indicate decompression illness, and management is high-flow oxygen (which aids nitrogen washout), a horizontal position, fluids and urgent transfer for recompression in a hyperbaric chamber. Treating it as musculoskeletal or simply reassuring the diver risks progressive injury. A further dive is dangerous and worsens the bubble load. Pearl: contact a diving medicine service early, as high-flow oxygen and timely recompression markedly improve outcome.

Reference: JRCALC Clinical Guidelines