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

Aminoglycosides require oxygen-dependent active transport into bacteria; HBO restores this mechanism in hypoxic infected tissue.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sensitizes the lungs to oxygen toxicity

Answer

Bleomycin causes pulmonary fibrosis, and HBO can exacerbate this by increasing oxidative stress in already damaged lung tissue.

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 increases insulin sensitivity and promotes cellular glucose uptake, which can lower blood glucose significantly in diabetic patients.

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

Cisplatin's nephrotoxic and ototoxic effects can be exacerbated by the oxidative stress associated with HBO therapy.

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 can affect platelet function and coagulation pathways, necessitating careful INR monitoring in patients on anticoagulants.

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