After scuba diving without a controlled ascent and flying to cabin pressure altitudes of 8000 feet or less, what is the minimum recommended waiting time before flying?

After scuba diving without a controlled ascent and flying to cabin pressure altitudes of 8000 feet or less, what is the minimum recommended waiting time before flying?

• A. 12 hours
• B. 6 hours
• C. 24 hours
• D. 48 hours

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how long you should wait to fly after scuba diving to minimize the risk of decompression sickness when you’re exposed to cabin pressure at altitude. When you dive, nitrogen dissolves in your tissues. Flying soon after reduces ambient pressure, which can cause that dissolved nitrogen to form bubbles. For dives without decompression stops, the minimum safe wait before flying to a cabin altitude (about 8,000 feet) is 12 hours. This gives enough time for off-gassing so the chance of bubble formation during the flight is reduced. If the dive involved decompression stops or deeper, longer exposures, a longer wait—typically around 24 hours—would be advised. So, in this scenario, 12 hours is the appropriate minimum. If any symptoms of decompression sickness occur, seek medical evaluation promptly.

The idea being tested is how long you should wait to fly after scuba diving to minimize the risk of decompression sickness when you’re exposed to cabin pressure at altitude. When you dive, nitrogen dissolves in your tissues. Flying soon after reduces ambient pressure, which can cause that dissolved nitrogen to form bubbles. For dives without decompression stops, the minimum safe wait before flying to a cabin altitude (about 8,000 feet) is 12 hours. This gives enough time for off-gassing so the chance of bubble formation during the flight is reduced. If the dive involved decompression stops or deeper, longer exposures, a longer wait—typically around 24 hours—would be advised. So, in this scenario, 12 hours is the appropriate minimum. If any symptoms of decompression sickness occur, seek medical evaluation promptly.