What causes pressure-related injuries such as air embolism and pneumothorax while diving?

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The correct answer highlights that breathing compressed air is a factor to consider when discussing pressure-related injuries like air embolism and pneumothorax encountered during diving. Breathing air from a tank at depth increases the partial pressures of gases, which can become dangerous if a diver ascends too rapidly without exhaling.

When a diver holds their breath while descending or ascending, the air in their lungs expands or contracts due to changes in pressure. If the diver holds their breath, this can lead to over-expansion of the lungs during ascent, resulting in an air embolism, where bubbles can block blood vessels. However, the context of breathing compressed air emphasizes how the gas laws and pressure changes directly influence the risks divers face.

While lung capacity might play a role in how effectively a diver can manage pressures, it is not the primary cause of these injuries when diving. Similarly, using equipment incorrectly could lead to various hazards, but it does not directly result in pressure-related injuries like the outlined scenarios. The crux of understanding pressure injuries lies in recognizing how the laws of physics govern gas behavior under different pressures and the importance of exhaling during changes in depth.

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