Correct Answers} () (Verified by
Expert
SCUBA DIVING FINAL EXAM
MOST TESTED & HARDEST QUESTIONS (1–10)
QUESTION 1 — Boyle’s Law (EXTREMELY TESTED)
A diver takes a full breath at 20 meters (66 ft) and begins a rapid ascent without exhaling. Which
complication is MOST likely to occur?
A. Nitrogen narcosis
B. Decompression sickness
C. Pulmonary barotrauma with arterial gas embolism
D. Oxygen toxicity
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Boyle’s Law states that gas volume increases as pressure decreases. During ascent, expanding air can
rupture alveoli, causing arterial gas embolism, one of the most dangerous diving injuries.
QUESTION 2 — Dalton’s Law & Oxygen Toxicity (HIGH DIFFICULTY)
At what depth does breathing air (21% O₂) approach the recommended maximum partial pressure of
oxygen (1.4 ATA)?
A. 18 m (60 ft)
B. 30 m (100 ft)
C. 40 m (130 ft)
D. 56 m (185 ft)
,✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
At 40 m / 130 ft, PO₂ ≈ 1.4 ATA, the recreational depth limit due to oxygen toxicity risk.
QUESTION 3 — Henry’s Law & Decompression Sickness (VERY HIGHLY TESTED)
Which action MOST increases a diver’s risk for decompression sickness?
A. Slow ascent with safety stop
B. Flying within 12 hours after diving
C. Diving in warm water
D. Using enriched air nitrox
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Flying shortly after diving reduces ambient pressure, causing dissolved nitrogen to form bubbles,
leading to DCS.
QUESTION 4 — Nitrogen Narcosis (COMMON FINAL EXAM TRAP)
A diver at 35 meters (115 ft) becomes euphoric and makes poor decisions. Which action is MOST
appropriate?
A. Abort dive immediately with rapid ascent
B. Ascend slowly to a shallower depth
C. Switch to pure oxygen
D. Continue dive with close monitoring
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Nitrogen narcosis is reversible by ascending to shallower depth. Rapid ascent increases embolism risk.
QUESTION 5 — Barotrauma (HIGH-YIELD)
Which condition is MOST likely if a diver fails to equalize during descent?
A. Inner ear squeeze
B. Decompression sickness
C. Oxygen toxicity
D. Hypothermia
✅ Correct Answer: A
, Rationale:
Failure to equalize pressure causes ear barotrauma, especially affecting the middle and inner ear.
QUESTION 6 — Diving Tables & Safety Stops (VERY TESTED)
Why is a 3–5 minute safety stop at 5 meters (15 ft) recommended even when not required by tables?
A. Prevents nitrogen narcosis
B. Allows oxygen levels to normalize
C. Reduces residual nitrogen and DCS risk
D. Conserves air supply
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Safety stops allow additional off-gassing of nitrogen, significantly reducing DCS risk.
QUESTION 7 — Air Consumption (HARD CALCULATION CONCEPT)
A diver’s air consumption rate increases MOST significantly due to:
A. Warm water temperature
B. Increased depth
C. Neutral buoyancy
D. Slow swimming speed
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Increased depth = increased pressure = more air per breath.
QUESTION 8 — Emergency Ascents (CRITICAL SAFETY)
Which ascent technique is used ONLY when a diver is out of air and has no alternate air source?
A. Controlled descent
B. Safety stop ascent
C. Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA)
D. Free descent
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
CESA is an emergency-only technique requiring continuous exhalation while ascending.