What can excessive hyperventilation prior to a dive ultimately lead to?

Excessive hyperventilation prior to a dive can lead to a false sense of security while diving because it can cause a significant decrease in the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. This reduction in CO2 can inhibit the body's natural urge to breathe, leading divers to underestimate their need for air and the risks of hypoxia, where not enough oxygen is available to the body.

As divers hyperventilate, they may feel more relaxed and think they have greater control over their breathing, which can create an impression that they are adequately prepared for the dive. However, this lowered awareness can prevent them from recognizing potential signs of distress or the need to ascend when necessary. Thus, this condition may ultimately put divers at greater risk of an incident underwater.

The other choices do not accurately describe the consequences of hyperventilation: an increase in lung capacity is not a direct result of hyperventilation, nor does it improve the diving experience or buoyancy control. Instead, divers must remain aware of their breathing and the importance of maintaining balanced oxygen and CO2 levels for safe diving.