Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Hyperbaric Pharmacology

Question 1

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhance the action of antibiotics such as aminoglycosides?

Accepted Answer

HBO increases oxygen tension in tissue, restoring the oxygen-dependent transport needed for antibiotic uptake

Answer

HBO directly kills bacteria without antibiotic assistance

Answer

HBO raises chamber temperature, activating antibiotic molecules

Answer

HBO reduces kidney clearance, increasing antibiotic serum levels

Question 2

Bleomycin chemotherapy is considered a relative contraindication for HBO because it:

Accepted Answer

Sensitizes the lungs to oxygen toxicity

Answer

Crosses the blood-brain barrier more rapidly under pressure

Answer

Causes chamber material degradation

Answer

Increases CNS seizure risk at therapeutic pressures

Question 3

Why should insulin-dependent diabetics have their insulin dosing evaluated before a course of HBO treatments?

Accepted Answer

HBO enhances glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, potentially causing hypoglycemia

Answer

HBO degrades insulin molecules in the bloodstream

Answer

HBO increases glucagon secretion throughout the session

Answer

HBO accelerates hepatic glucose production

Question 4

Cisplatin (a chemotherapy drug) combined with HBO is concerning because:

Accepted Answer

It increases the risk of both renal toxicity and ototoxicity under hyperoxic conditions

Answer

It prevents neovascularization stimulated by HBO

Answer

It directly inhibits oxygen binding to hemoglobin

Answer

It lowers the pressure tolerance of the chamber equipment

Question 5

Which statement about HBO and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) is correct?

Accepted Answer

HBO may enhance anticoagulant effects, requiring INR monitoring

Answer

HBO neutralizes anticoagulants, requiring dose increases

Answer

Warfarin is an absolute contraindication to HBO

Answer

No interaction exists between HBO and anticoagulants

Question 6

Which class of drugs lowers the CNS oxygen toxicity threshold when combined with HBO?

Accepted Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

Beta blockers

Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

Proton pump inhibitors