Course
Decompression Sickness in Divers
Contact Hours Awarded: 1
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Course Overview
Author: R.E. Hengsterman
MSN, RN
This course explores the physiology, risk factors, and management of two critical diving-related conditions: Decompression Sickness (DCS) and Pulmonary Overinflation Syndrome (POIS). Learners will explore the mechanisms behind nitrogen bubble formation, the physiological effects of rapid pressure changes, and the clinical presentations associated with these conditions.
Key topics include the etiology and pathophysiology of DCS, the role of nitrogen narcosis, and factors influencing susceptibility, such as patent foramen ovale (PFO), fatigue, and dehydration. The course emphasizes early symptom recognition, appropriate interventions—high-flow oxygen therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)—and strategies for preventing these life-threatening complications.
Course Outline
- Introduction
- Etiology
- Epidemiology
- Pathophysiology
- Symptoms
- Clinical Suspicion and Management
- Understanding and Managing Decompression Sickness and Pulmonary Over-Inflation Syndrome
- Risk Factors
- Clinical Presentation, Evaluation, and Diagnosis of Decompression Sickness (DCS)
- Diagnosis of Decompression Sickness
- Treatment
- Conclusion
Accreditation Statement
Nursing CE Central LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
In this course, we will discuss Decompression Sickness in Divers. It will take the average learner 60 minutes to complete and awards 1 contact hours of continuing education.
Course Outcomes
After completing this course, the learner will rate a 4 out of 5 on the Likert Scale for their ability to:
- Describe how rapid pressure changes during ascent cause nitrogen bubble formation, vascular obstruction, and tissue damage.
- Recognize factors such as patent foramen ovale (PFO), dehydration, fatigue, and dive profiles that increase susceptibility to DCS and POIS.
- Discuss decompression sickness (DCS) and pulmonary overinflation syndrome (POIS)
Target Audience
- Registered Nurses (RN)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)
Requirement for Completion
- Enrollment in the course by the learner
- Read and learn all course materials
- Complete the course evaluation
- Attest and testify learning of the course materials
Accreditations + Approvals
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (P0614)
- California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP 17418)
- Kentucky Board of Nursing (7-0090)
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing (58)
- New York State Department of Education (IC 208)
- New York State Department of Education Child Abuse #80996
- Florida Board of Nursing (50-23983)
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
Nursing CE Central nor any of the authors, planners, content experts, or any contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
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Course Expires on: March 21, 2028
Course Offering: #686