Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Decompression Sickness and Gas Embolism Treatment 3

Question 1

A diver surfaces unconscious after an emergency ascent. The most likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Arterial gas embolism (AGE) from pulmonary barotrauma

Answer

Immediate loss of consciousness on or shortly after surfacing following an uncontrolled ascent is the classic presentation of cerebral AGE.

Question 2

What distinguishes spinal DCS from AGE clinically?

Accepted Answer

Spinal DCS typically has a slower onset minutes to hours after surfacing, while AGE presents within seconds to minutes

Answer

AGE causes near-immediate neurological deficits due to arterial occlusion; spinal DCS develops more gradually as nitrogen bubbles form in spinal cord tissues.

Question 3

The purpose of oxygen breathing during decompression stops in USN treatment tables is to:

Accepted Answer

Accelerate inert gas (nitrogen) elimination and reduce total treatment time

Answer

Breathing 100% oxygen during decompression stops maximizes the diffusion gradient for nitrogen elimination, shortening the required stop times.

Question 4

The 'D10' endpoint in DCS treatment refers to:

Accepted Answer

No residual symptoms at the end of the hyperbaric treatment table

Answer

The treatment goal is complete symptom resolution; 'D10' is shorthand for the desired endpoint of total clinical resolution before surfacing.

Question 5

After a successful Table 6 treatment for DCS, the patient should be advised to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid flying or diving for a minimum of 72 hours and follow up with a diving physician

Answer

Residual microbubbles and tissue injury require adequate surface interval before pressure exposure; 72 hours minimum and physician clearance are standard recommendations.

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Practice Test

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Practice Test

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Decompression Sickness and Gas Embolism Treatment 3