Diver Life Support System (DLSS) Maintenance Practice Exam

Dehydration while diving can significantly increase the risk of decompression sickness. This condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body due to rapid changes in pressure, often associated with ascending too quickly after being exposed to high-pressure environments underwater. Dehydration can affect the body's ability to eliminate nitrogen efficiently, as the reduction in blood volume due to lack of hydration can lead to slower circulation. When divers are dehydrated, they are less equipped to handle the nitrogen loads that accumulate in their tissues during a dive. Consequently, this increases the likelihood of bubbles forming during ascent, leading to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for divers to ensure efficient nitrogen elimination and to mitigate the risk of this potentially severe condition.