Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Administering oxygen to a diver who feels unwell shortly after a dive and is having trouble breathing is crucial because it addresses a potential acute medical emergency related to decompression sickness or arterial gas embolism. When divers experience respiratory distress, they may be suffering from a lack of adequate oxygen supply, which can lead to serious complications. Providing supplemental oxygen can help mitigate hypoxia and support the diver's respiratory function.

Since divers are at risk for specific dive-related conditions, administering oxygen is a critical step in stabilizing their condition, maintaining adequate blood oxygen levels, and buying time for further medical intervention. Additionally, providing oxygen can assist in reducing the size of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream, as it allows for quicker absorption of nitrogen back into the body tissues, thereby potentially alleviating some symptoms related to decompression sickness.

While the other actions may also be relevant in a broader emergency response context, such as calling for assistance or assessing for injuries, the immediate need to address the diver's trouble breathing makes administering oxygen the priority. It is essential to focus on the most life-threatening symptoms first, which, in this case, is the difficulty in breathing.