Which of the following is a key sign of nitrogen narcosis?

Nitrogen narcosis, often referred to as "the bends," occurs when divers descend to depths greater than about 30 meters (100 feet). At these depths, the increased pressure affects the mental state of divers due to the presence of nitrogen in the breathing gas. One of the hallmark signs of nitrogen narcosis is impaired judgment. This impairment can lead to poor decision-making and a decreased ability to assess situations accurately, which significantly increases the risk of accidents underwater.

When experiencing nitrogen narcosis, divers may feel euphoric or exhibit behaviors that are not typical of their usual self. This psychological effect impacts their ability to think clearly, leading them to make choices that could be dangerous, such as attempting to dive deeper or staying longer than they should. Understanding this key sign is crucial for divers, as recognizing impaired judgment allows them to take steps to ascend to shallower depths, where the effects of narcosis will start to reverse.

In contrast, increased alertness, enhanced coordination, and improved reaction time are not associated with nitrogen narcosis. Instead, divers under the influence of this condition may experience lethargy, decreased coordination, and slower reaction times, further underscoring the importance of recognizing impaired judgment as a key sign