What can occur if a diver exceeds the ascent rate during rapid or uncontrolled ascents?

When a diver ascends too quickly, the primary concern is the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). During a normal ascent, the pressure around a diver decreases, and inert gases like nitrogen that have been absorbed into the body's tissues at depth begin to come out of solution due to the reduced pressure. If a diver ascends faster than the recommended ascent rate, these gases can form bubbles in the tissues or blood, leading to DCS.

DCS can manifest with a variety of symptoms, ranging from joint pain and fatigue to serious neurological impairments or even life-threatening conditions. Therefore, adhering to safe ascent rates is crucial to allow the body sufficient time to safely eliminate excess inert gases and prevent the formation of harmful bubbles. While other options may relate to ascent issues or buoyancy challenges, they do not directly address the serious health risk posed by rapid ascents, which is the foundation of decompression sickness.