What are the steps for managing a patient with suspected decompression sickness?

The correct approach to managing a patient with suspected decompression sickness involves administering oxygen, rehydrating the patient, and transporting them to a hyperbaric facility. This method is based on the understanding that decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," occurs when a diver ascends too quickly and nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream or tissues.

Administering oxygen is essential because it helps to reduce the size of the nitrogen bubbles and enhances the elimination of nitrogen from the body, thereby alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications. Rehydration is fundamental in the management of decompression sickness as it can help restore fluid balance and support the body’s physiological processes in the recovery phase. Immediate transport to a hyperbaric facility is crucial since hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the definitive treatment for decompression sickness, allowing for controlled recompression and further oxygen delivery to affected tissues.

This approach ensures that the patient receives the appropriate level of care quickly, which is vital as decompression sickness can lead to serious complications or even be fatal if not treated properly and swiftly. Other management options, such as simply waiting for symptoms to resolve or attempting to increase cabin pressure, are not effective or appropriate responses in this critical medical emergency.