Quiz - 20 - Diving Knowledge Workbook - Diving Physiology

[Pedro Burrito]

From the Diving Physiology Section of the PADI Diving Knowledge Workbook Version 2.02 © PADI 2009:

Objective 2.6 - Explain the physiological effect of increased carbon monoxide levels (including cigarette smoking) on the diver and how they can be avoided.

Question 4

Smoking cigarettes prior to diving can raise the carbon monoxide level ___ times above normal, which in turn ___.

a. 2 / makes it harder to breath

b. 3-12 / impairs oxygen transport and carbon dioxide elimination

c. 20-40 / increases the risk of a lung-expansion injury

d. 100 / increases the risk of heart attack and stroke​

I will post a daily question from my exams to help newer divers and to encourage more experienced divers to interact gracefully and helpfully with the newer divers.

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Thank you for your patience while we try to give people something to discuss other than Covid-19 and/or Politics. I will post the answer covered by the spoiler tag later today.

 

[Martijn]

So, how does smoking relate to air consumption?

 

[Mike1967]

So, how does smoking relate to air consumption?

I reckon it doesn't.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Not PADI, but by process of elimination my guess is.......B

 

[TMHeimer]

I know what the answer is because I recall reading it in the Workbook. But I'm sure some will find ways to argue that at least 2 of the 3 other choices may be correct. It's a very clear question if you know what the book says, otherwise it could be a little cloudy.

 

[Pedro Burrito]

Spoiler: Answer

b. 3-12 / impairs oxygen transport and carbon dioxide elimination

One of the primary by-products of burning tobacco is carbon monoxide. Once in the bloodstream it combines with the hemoglobin, effectively locking out the oxygen. In addition, because hemoglobin also transports carbon dioxide on its return to the lungs, it also hinders the transport of this gas. For divers even more so. Don't smoke, particularly if you are a diver!