Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Hyperbaric Contraindications and Complications 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which condition is considered an absolute contraindication to hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
- Untreated pneumothorax (Correct answer)
- Claustrophobia
- Controlled hypertension
- Mild anemia
Correct answer: Untreated pneumothorax
Untreated pneumothorax is the only absolute contraindication to HBO therapy because pressurization can cause tension pneumothorax.
Question 2: Oxygen toxicity affecting the central nervous system (CNS) in the hyperbaric environment is also known as:
- Paul Bert effect (Correct answer)
- Lorrain Smith effect
- Henry's Law effect
- Dalton's effect
Correct answer: Paul Bert effect
The Paul Bert effect refers to CNS oxygen toxicity, characterized by seizures, while the Lorrain Smith effect refers to pulmonary oxygen toxicity.
Question 3: Which of the following is a sign of middle ear barotrauma in a hyperbaric patient?
- Ear pain and hearing loss during compression (Correct answer)
- Chest tightness during decompression
- Nausea only after treatment
- Skin mottling at depth
Correct answer: Ear pain and hearing loss during compression
Middle ear barotrauma presents as ear pain and possible hearing loss during compression when the Eustachian tube fails to equalize pressure.
Question 4: What is the most common complication of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
- Middle ear barotrauma (Correct answer)
- CNS oxygen toxicity seizure
- Pulmonary barotrauma
- Arterial gas embolism
Correct answer: Middle ear barotrauma
Middle ear barotrauma is the most common complication of HBO therapy due to Eustachian tube dysfunction during pressurization.
Question 5: A patient on doxorubicin (Adriamycin) chemotherapy requires HBO. What is the primary concern?
- Increased pulmonary oxygen toxicity risk (Correct answer)
- Reduced wound healing response
- Elevated CNS seizure threshold
- Decreased chamber pressure tolerance
Correct answer: Increased pulmonary oxygen toxicity risk
Doxorubicin combined with HBO significantly increases the risk of pulmonary oxygen toxicity and is a relative contraindication.
Question 6: Which symptom indicates possible pulmonary oxygen toxicity (Lorrain Smith effect) in a patient receiving multiple HBO sessions?
- Substernal chest pain and cough between sessions (Correct answer)
- Sudden seizure at depth
- Sinus pressure during compression
- Joint pain after decompression
Correct answer: Substernal chest pain and cough between sessions
Substernal burning chest pain and cough are hallmark symptoms of pulmonary oxygen toxicity from cumulative oxygen exposure.
Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Hyperbaric Contraindications and Complications 1
Which condition is considered an absolute contraindication to hyperbaric oxygen therapy?