Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Decompression Sickness and Gas Embolism Treatment

Question 1

The standard US Navy treatment table for serious decompression sickness (Type II) or arterial gas embolism is:

Accepted Answer

USN Treatment Table 6

Answer

USN Table 6 is the standard treatment for serious DCS and AGE, using 60 fsw at 2.8 ATA with oxygen breathing and structured decompression stops.

Question 2

Type I decompression sickness (DCS) is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Joint pain, skin mottling, or lymphatic symptoms without neurological involvement

Answer

Type I DCS involves musculoskeletal, skin, and lymphatic symptoms; Type II involves more serious neurological or cardiopulmonary manifestations.

Question 3

Arterial gas embolism (AGE) most commonly occurs as a result of:

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary over-inflation with gas entering pulmonary veins during ascent

Answer

AGE results from pulmonary barotrauma during ascent; ruptured alveoli allow gas to enter pulmonary veins and reach the arterial circulation.

Question 4

First aid for a suspected DCS or AGE victim before reaching a recompression chamber includes:

Accepted Answer

100% normobaric oxygen, IV fluids, and supine positioning

Answer

High-flow 100% oxygen accelerates nitrogen washout from bubbles; fluids support circulation; supine positioning prevents orthostatic hypotension.

Question 5

The 'chokes' in decompression sickness refers to:

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary DCS with chest pain, coughing, and respiratory distress from venous gas emboli in the lungs

Answer

'Chokes' describes pulmonary venous gas embolism causing impaired gas exchange; it is a serious form of DCS requiring urgent recompression.

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