Which condition increases a diver's susceptibility to decompression sickness?

Decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," is a condition that occurs when a diver surfaces too quickly, causing dissolved gases in the body to form bubbles. The risk factors for this condition are multifaceted, and all the listed options contribute to an increased likelihood of experiencing decompression sickness.

Rapid ascent is a well-known risk because ascending too quickly can impede the body's ability to eliminate nitrogen, which accumulates in the tissues during a dive. If a diver ascends rapidly, the pressure decreases too quickly for the nitrogen to safely leave the body, leading to bubble formation.

Dehydration also plays a crucial role in increasing susceptibility to decompression sickness. When dehydrated, the body's ability to manage and eliminate nitrogen is compromised, as bodily fluids help transport gases safely out of tissues. Dehydrated divers have a higher risk of bubble formation due to reduced blood volume and circulation.

Extended dive time likewise increases the risk by allowing more nitrogen to dissolve in the tissues over a longer period. The longer a diver remains at depth, the more nitrogen is absorbed. When this diver ascends, the potential for bubbles forming increases, particularly if ascent rates are not controlled.

Since all these factors—rapid ascent, dehydration, and extended dive time—contribute