Which of the following is a potential cause of arterial gas embolism?

Arterial gas embolism (AGE) is a serious condition that can occur when gas bubbles enter the arterial bloodstream, potentially leading to severe consequences. A potential cause of AGE is rapid ascent without proper decompression procedures. During a rapid ascent, especially after spending time at depth, the nitrogen that has been absorbed into the body's tissues can come out of solution too quickly, forming bubbles. When these bubbles enter the bloodstream, they can travel to the brain and other organs, causing embolic events that can be life-threatening.

In this context, while prolonged shallow dives, the use of faulty equipment, and the practice of freediving without a buddy can pose risks to divers, they do not directly lead to the rapid formation of gas bubbles in the blood as a result of pressure changes in the same way that a rapid ascent does. Proper ascent rates and adherence to decompression protocols are crucial in preventing AGE, thus making rapid ascent without emergency deco the correct association in this case.