Besides joint pain and neurologic symptoms, what other symptom can occur with decompression sickness?

Besides joint pain and neurologic symptoms, what other symptom can occur with decompression sickness?

• A. Besides joint pain and neurologic symptoms, what other symptom can occur with decompression sickness?
• B. Pruritus.
• C. Hypertension.
• D. Nausea only.

Answer: (A)

Decompression sickness can affect multiple organ systems, not just joints and the nervous system. When inert gas bubbles form in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, they can cause pruritus—an itchy sensation often accompanied by skin changes like mottling. This cutaneous involvement is a recognized part of the DCS spectrum and helps explain why pruritus is the best answer for the “other symptom” beyond joint pain and neurologic signs. Hypertension isn’t a characteristic hallmark of DCS, and while nausea can occur, it isn’t as specifically associated with the condition as itching.

Decompression sickness can affect multiple organ systems, not just joints and the nervous system. When inert gas bubbles form in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, they can cause pruritus—an itchy sensation often accompanied by skin changes like mottling. This cutaneous involvement is a recognized part of the DCS spectrum and helps explain why pruritus is the best answer for the “other symptom” beyond joint pain and neurologic signs. Hypertension isn’t a characteristic hallmark of DCS, and while nausea can occur, it isn’t as specifically associated with the condition as itching.