North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is barotrauma a risk of during diving?

1. Drowning

2. Hypoxia

3. Pneumothorax

4. Skin rashes

The correct answer is: Pneumothorax

Barotrauma occurs when there is a difference in pressure between the air spaces in the body and the surrounding environment, which can happen during activities such as diving. As a diver descends, the water pressure increases, and if a diver does not equalize the pressure in their lungs or sinuses, it can lead to severe complications. Pneumothorax, which is the presence of air in the pleural cavity that can cause the lung to collapse, is a direct result of barotrauma. When the diver ascends, the pressure decreases, and if air trapped in a pulmonary space expands without being exhaled, it can rupture the lung tissue, leading to pneumothorax. This makes it a significant risk associated with diving and a clear outcome of unmanaged pressure changes within the body. The other options, while they may be associated with diving, do not result directly from the pressure changes that characterize barotrauma. Drowning is primarily related to water inhalation, hypoxia can occur due to inadequate oxygen rather than pressure change, and skin rashes are generally related to allergic reactions or other skin irritants rather than pressure-related injuries. Thus, pneumothorax is specifically linked to the risks posed by barotra