A SCUBA diver has been deep underwater and suddenly rises to the surface too fast. Why does the diver getdecompression sickness?
A) Pressure decreases and carbon dioxide rushes into cells.
B) Pressure changes too fast and the carbon dioxide in the blood forms bubbles.
C) Pressure decreases too fast and nitrogen gas in the blood forms bubbles.
D) The gas in the SCUBA tank had too much pressure and rapid ascent forces too much air into the blood.
E) Pressure increases too fast and too much oxygen enters the blood and forms bubbles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," occurs when a diver ascends too quickly, causing the nitrogen gas in their blood to form bubbles. This happens because nitrogen gas is compressed at depth and dissolves into the bloodstream. As the diver ascends, the pressure decreases and the nitrogen gas comes out of solution, forming bubbles which can block blood vessels, causing pain and other symptoms.

A SCUBA Diver Has Been Deep Underwater and Suddenly Rises