What signs may persist after a decompression if hypoxia is not corrected?

• A. Headache, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue.
• B. Euphoria and increased energy.
• C. No symptoms.
• D. Improved concentration.

Answer: (A)

When oxygen delivery to the brain is compromised after a decompression event, the body shows signs of hypoxia that tend to persist if oxygenation isn’t restored. The brain is highly sensitive to low oxygen, so reduced oxygen leads to headaches from changes in blood flow, dizziness from impaired balance and coordination, confusion from disrupted cognitive function, and fatigue from decreased cellular energy production. If hypoxia remains uncorrected, these symptoms continue and can worsen, underscoring why this set of signs best matches the scenario. The other descriptions don’t fit because they imply no symptoms, euphoria or extra energy, or improved concentration—outcomes that don’t align with the effects of ongoing hypoxia on the brain and body.