SSI Science Of Diving Practice Exam

Nitrogen narcosis, often referred to as "the bends" or "rapture of the deep," occurs when divers are exposed to higher concentrations of nitrogen at increased depths. As a diver descends, nitrogen from the breathing gas dissolves into the bloodstream and can affect the central nervous system. One of the hallmark signs of nitrogen narcosis is the experience of profound feelings of euphoria and disorientation.

This altered mental state can make divers feel unusually buoyant or carefree, leading them to underestimate risks or make poor decisions about their diving activities. Such sensations can be similar to those experienced under the influence of alcohol or certain narcotics, hence the term “narcosis.” Recognizing these feelings is crucial for divers to determine when they may need to ascend to shallower waters, where the symptoms can diminish as the nitrogen is expelled from the body.

In contrast, other signs mentioned, such as increased alertness or coordination, do not align with the effects of nitrogen narcosis. Instead, as the condition progresses, divers are likely to struggle with coordination and judgment. Similarly, extreme fatigue or rapid physiological responses like increased heart rate typically relate to other diving-related stressors rather than nitrogen narcosis specifically. Thus, the