Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Hyperbaric Pharmacology 3

Question 1

When a patient is receiving HBO for a gas-forming infection, which antibiotic class works synergistically with HBO against Clostridium species?

Accepted Answer

Penicillins (e.g., ampicillin)

Answer

Penicillins are the cornerstone antibiotic against Clostridium; HBO synergizes by creating a high-oxygen environment directly hostile to these anaerobes.

Question 2

A patient on metronidazole (Flagyl) is receiving HBO for necrotizing fasciitis. A key consideration is:

Accepted Answer

Metronidazole requires oxygen reduction to form toxic radicals, so HBO may reduce its effectiveness against anaerobes

Answer

Metronidazole requires low-oxygen conditions for its activation mechanism; HBO may reduce anaerobic activation while still providing direct bactericidal oxygen effects.

Question 3

HBO's vasoconstriction effect is clinically useful in which situation?

Accepted Answer

Reducing edema in crush injuries and compartment syndrome

Answer

HBO-induced vasoconstriction reduces edema and swelling in crush injuries while still delivering adequate oxygen via dissolved plasma O2.

Question 4

Sildenafil (Viagra) and HBO are potentially problematic together because:

Accepted Answer

Both cause vasodilation and may produce significant hypotension

Answer

Both sildenafil (PDE5 inhibitor) and HBO independently cause vasodilation; combined use may result in significant hypotension.

Question 5

In radiation-injured tissue, HBO promotes healing by:

Accepted Answer

Stimulating stem cell mobilization and angiogenesis in hypoxic tissue

Answer

HBO mobilizes CD34+ stem cells from bone marrow and stimulates VEGF-driven angiogenesis in the hypoxic, avascular post-radiation tissue.

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Practice Test

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Practice Test

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Hyperbaric Pharmacology 3