What could a diver experience if they ascend too quickly while using Nitrox?

Ascending too quickly while using Nitrox can lead to decompression sickness (DCS), a serious condition that occurs when dissolved gases come out of solution and form bubbles in the body due to a rapid decrease in pressure. While this risk is present with all breathing gases, it's particularly important for Nitrox divers to monitor their ascent rates. Nitrox contains less nitrogen than air, which reduces the risk of DCS when used properly. However, if a diver ascends too quickly, even with Nitrox, they can still experience DCS. This is because the body may not have enough time to safely eliminate nitrogen, especially if dives go deeper or longer than planned.

Other options relate to different conditions: barotrauma pertains to pressure changes affecting body tissues, oxygen toxicity can occur with excessive oxygen exposure at depth, and ear squeeze is a specific issue related to equalizing pressure in the ears. While all of these conditions are relevant to divers, they are not directly associated with the repercussions of an overly rapid ascent while using Nitrox.