What is the main risk involved with high total oxygen "dose" during deep dives?

Get ready for the SSI Specialty Course Enriched Air Nitrox (SC-EAN) 40% Level 2 Test. Review key concepts with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare for success!

The main risk associated with a high total oxygen "dose" during deep dives is oxygen toxicity. This condition arises when the body is exposed to elevated partial pressures of oxygen, which can occur at depths where the ambient pressure increases. Oxygen toxicity can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as seizures, visual disturbances, and even unconsciousness.

At greater depths, the partial pressure of oxygen in a breathing gas mixture increases, which can heighten the risk of toxic effects. Divers using enriched air nitrox must be aware of the maximum operating depth for their gas mixture and adhere to safe diving practices to mitigate this risk. Understanding this aspect of diving physiology and the potential effects of high oxygen levels is crucial for safe deep diving operations.

The other potential answers highlight important risks in diving but do not directly pertain to the specific concern of oxygen toxicity. Drowning can result from various dive-related incidents rather than oxygen exposure alone, decompression sickness is linked to nitrogen absorption and off-gassing rather than oxygen levels, and cold shock response relates to sudden exposure to cold water rather than the effects of oxygen at depth.

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