RGI 5 Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Hyperbaric Therapy and Gas Toxicity lecture, including diving physics, medical conditions, and safety protocols.

Boyle's Law

States that for a given mass of gas at constant temperature, the volume of the gas is inversely proportional to the pressure.

Hyperbaric Therapy

The use of higher than normal gas/air pressures to treat various illnesses.

Mediastinal Emphysema

Condition where air leaks through ruptured alveoli into the mediastinum.

Cerebral Gas Embolism

A condition resulting from gas bubbles entering the bloodstream and blocking blood flow to the brain.

Shallow Water Blackout

Loss of consciousness due to hypoxia during breath-hold diving.

Valsalva Manoeuvre

Technique used by divers to equalize pressure in the ears by opening the Eustachian tubes.

Mask Squeeze

Condition occurring when pressure in the mask is not equalized, causing pain or injury to the face.

Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE)

Condition resulting from gas bubbles in the arterial blood, leading to tissue damage.

High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

A condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs at high altitudes.

High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

A condition characterized by swelling of the brain caused by high altitude.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air enters the pleural space, causing lung collapse.

Compartment Syndrome

Condition resulting from increased pressure in a muscle compartment, leading to muscle and nerve damage.

Decompression Sickness

A condition caused by dissolved gases coming out of solution in bubbles inside the body due to rapid ascent.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A toxic condition caused by inhalation of carbon monoxide, which prevents oxygen transport in the blood.

Gamow Bag

A portable hyperbaric chamber used to treat altitude sickness.

What is the principal implication of Boyle's Law in diving?

Volume decreases and pressure increases as a diver descends.

What is the result of an uncontrolled ascent while diving?

It can lead to lung over-expansion and potential injuries like pneumothorax.

What should divers avoid prior to diving?

Diving with an upper respiratory tract infection to prevent barotrauma.

What is the typical starting pO2 level for a diver?

Approximately 0.24 atm.

What physical effect occurs during descent due to Boyle's Law?

Divers may experience a squeeze on their ears.

What happens to the lungs during over-expansion in diving?

Alveoli may rupture, causing air embolism or pneumothorax.

What is the danger of hyperventilating before diving?

It lowers pCO2 and can cause loss of consciousness due to insufficient oxygen.

What is 'Blow & Go' in diving?

An emergency ascent technique that can lead to lung injuries if performed without taking precautions.

What is the purpose of using a Valsalva Manoeuvre?

To equalize pressure in the ears during descent.

What psychological profile is common among victims of shallow water blackout?

Highly competitive nature, often seen in free-diving or snorkelling individuals.

Why is it important to equalize pressure in a scuba mask?

To prevent discomfort and injury due to mask squeeze.

What treatment is used for gas gangrene?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

In what scenarios might a Gamow Bag be used?

To treat altitude sickness such as HAPE or HACE.

What is a common consequence of a dive injury related to breathing?

Over-expansion of the lungs can lead to serious lung damage.

What results from conducting a rapid ascent without exhaling?

It can cause air bubbles to expand dangerously within the lungs.

What is a cause of non-healing wounds?

Conditions treated with hyperbaric therapy, such as compromised skin grafts.

How can cerebral gas embolism occur during diving?

By air bubbles entering the bloodstream during a rapid ascent.

What can happen if breaths are held during ascent?

Injuries like arterial gas embolism or pulmonary rupture.

What can help a diver during a uncontrolled ascent?

Exhaling continuously while ascending to prevent lung injury.

Why is monitoring pO2 important during scuba diving?

To avoid hypoxia and loss of consciousness.

What kind of injuries can result from pressure changes on the body?

Barotrauma injuries such as ear squeeze, mask squeeze, and lung injury.

How can you prevent sinus squeeze during a dive?

By equalizing pressure regularly and not diving with a cold.

What are the conditions treated by hyperbaric therapy?

Conditions like osteomyelitis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and radiation tissue damage.

What happens if a diver ascends without managing pressure in their mask?

They may experience extreme discomfort or pain known as mask squeeze.

What is a common sign of decompression sickness?

Joint pain due to nitrogen bubbles in tissues.

What role do the Eustachian tubes play in diving?

They help equalize pressure in the middle ear.

What is the effect of altitude on lung function?

Higher altitudes can lead to impaired gas exchange and conditions like HAPE.

What can cause changes in gas volume within the lungs while diving?

Changes in ambient pressure due to depth.