What does the acronym POISES refer to in diving medicine?

The acronym POISES in diving medicine specifically refers to a set of potential injuries related to diving practices, particularly focusing on complications that can arise from the effects of pressure changes. The correct interpretation includes Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE), which involves bubbles of gas entering the bloodstream and can cause serious complications; Pneumothorax, the presence of air in the pleural space that can collapse a lung; Mediastinal emphysema, air trapped in the mediastinal cavity; and Subcutaneous emphysema, where air leaks into the tissue under the skin.

This grouping is important because it highlights the critical conditions that divers need to be aware of, particularly when surfacing from dives. Understanding these terms and their potential effects on the body can aid in the prevention, identification, and management of diving-related medical emergencies.

The other choices do not encompass the full scope of critical conditions familiar to diving medicine and either introduce inaccuracies or omit key issues that divers face related to pressure changes. This distinction is essential in recognizing situations where enhanced awareness and appropriate medical intervention may be required.