Two hours after a dive to 80 feet, a diver is complaining of fatigue and numbness in their lower extremities. What condition are they likely suffering from?

The diver's symptoms of fatigue and numbness in their lower extremities, occurring two hours after a dive to 80 feet, are indicative of decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." This condition arises when nitrogen, which is inhaled during the dive, comes out of solution in the blood and forms bubbles in the tissues as a diver ascends too quickly or spends too much time at depths where the pressure is greater.

At depths such as 80 feet, the diver is exposed to a higher partial pressure of nitrogen. If the diver ascends without adhering to proper safety protocols, like gradual ascent and necessary decompression stops, the nitrogen that has been absorbed into their body can lead to symptoms of decompression sickness. These symptoms can vary widely and may include joint pain, fatigue, and neurological symptoms like numbness.

In this case, the timing of the symptoms (two hours post-dive) and their nature (numbness in the lower extremities) align well with known manifestations of decompression sickness. This highlights the importance of understanding diving physiology, safe ascent rates, and the significance of recognizing symptoms during and after a dive.