When a patient presents with a diving malady, it is often helpful to know the depth of the patient's dive. What is the "martini rule" of diving?
Answer
Nitrogen at an increased partial pressure acts as an anesthetic agent which can have an intoxicating effect. The "martini rule" states that every 50 feet of seawater depth is generally equal to the effect of imbibing one martini on an empty stomach.
Rosen, 3rd ed. p 986.