An air embolism associated with diving occurs when:

An air embolism associated with diving occurs when:

• A. The diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent
• B. The alveoli completely collapse due to high pressure
• C. The diver hyperventilates prior to entering the water
• D. High water pressure forces air into the mediastinum

Answer: (A)

An air embolism associated with diving primarily occurs when a diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent. This action can cause a sudden increase in lung volume as the surrounding water pressure decreases, leading to overexpansion and potential rupture of the alveoli. When alveoli rupture, air can escape into the bloodstream, forming an air embolism that can travel throughout the circulatory system and potentially block blood vessels, which can be life-threatening. Holding one's breath during ascent is particularly dangerous because it prevents the safe release of the air that has been compressed in the lungs while diving. Therefore, this situation can precipitate serious injuries such as pneumothorax or arterial gas embolism, making the correct choice in this context directly tied to the physiological consequences of improper breath control while diving.

An air embolism associated with diving primarily occurs when a diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent. This action can cause a sudden increase in lung volume as the surrounding water pressure decreases, leading to overexpansion and potential rupture of the alveoli. When alveoli rupture, air can escape into the bloodstream, forming an air embolism that can travel throughout the circulatory system and potentially block blood vessels, which can be life-threatening.

Holding one's breath during ascent is particularly dangerous because it prevents the safe release of the air that has been compressed in the lungs while diving. Therefore, this situation can precipitate serious injuries such as pneumothorax or arterial gas embolism, making the correct choice in this context directly tied to the physiological consequences of improper breath control while diving.