Which statement best describes decompression sickness?

• A. Gas bubbles form in tissues after rapid decompression
• B. It is caused by fat emboli
• C. It occurs only in deep sea divers
• D. It is prevented by hyperoxia only

Answer: (D)

Decompression sickness occurs when rapid ascent from high pressure causes dissolved inert gas, mainly nitrogen, to come out of solution and form bubbles in tissues and in the bloodstream. These gas bubbles disrupt normal tissue perfusion and can produce joint and muscle pain, neurologic symptoms, and other signs. The statement about prevention being hyperoxia only is not correct because preventing decompression sickness relies on controlled ascent and gradual decompression; giving high oxygen helps treat symptoms and aids bubble resorption, but it does not by itself prevent all cases. This condition can occur in divers and others exposed to rapid pressure changes, and it is not caused by fat emboli. Therefore, the description that best fits decompression sickness is that gas bubbles form in tissues after rapid decompression.