NASE Dive Class Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Diving immediately upon arriving at altitude poses the risk of nitrogen accumulation, which is a significant concern due to the physiological effects of pressure changes on the body. When divers ascend to high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases. If a diver has been at a lower altitude and has nitrogen in their tissues from previous dives, ascending to high altitude can cause the nitrogen to come out of solution more quickly than it can be eliminated from the body. This rapid change can lead to decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," which can cause various symptoms ranging from joint pain to more severe conditions like paralysis or even death.

Therefore, understanding the relationship between nitrogen exposure and altitude is crucial for safe diving practices. This risk underscores the importance of allowing adequate surface time after diving at sea level before proceeding to a higher altitude. Proper ascent rates and following dive tables or diving computers can help mitigate this risk for divers who plan to dive in high-altitude environments.