When does type 1 decompression sickness typically manifest?

Type 1 decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," typically manifests after a delay that can range from minutes to several hours following a decrease in ambient pressure. This delay is due to the nitrogen bubbles that form in the body tissues or bloodstream as a result of reduced pressure during ascent. As divers or individuals ascending from high altitudes experience a rapid change in pressure, the dissolved nitrogen that was safely absorbed at higher pressures can come out of solution, leading to symptoms.

These symptoms can include joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes among others, and may not present immediately due to the time it takes for the nitrogen bubbles to develop and affect bodily functions. This latent onset underscores the importance of adhering to safe ascent rates and protocols to allow sufficient time for nitrogen to safely off-gas from the body.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the nature of type 1 decompression sickness, as it does not occur immediately upon ascent, is not exclusively caused by rapid descent, nor is it limited to scenarios involving prolonged exposure to high altitudes.