Type I decompression sickness symptom is most characteristic:

• A. Neurologic symptoms
• B. Inner ear symptoms
• C. Pulmonary symptoms
• D. Musculoskeletal pain

Answer: (D)

Type I decompression sickness is the milder form that mainly involves the musculoskeletal system and skin. The feature that best fits this category is joint and muscle pain—the classic “bends” from nitrogen bubbles forming in tissues around joints. Neurologic symptoms, inner ear disturbances, and pulmonary issues point toward the more severe Type II DCS, so they are not as characteristic of Type I.