Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Hyperbaric Chamber Operations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard operating pressure for most clinical hyperbaric treatments?
- 2.0-3.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute) (Correct answer)
- 1.0 ATA
- 5.0-6.0 ATA
- 0.5 ATA
Correct answer: 2.0-3.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute)
Most clinical hyperbaric oxygen treatments operate between 2.0-3.0 ATA, with 2.4 ATA being the most common pressure for wound healing and 2.8 ATA used for conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the pressurization (compression) phase in hyperbaric treatment?
- To gradually increase chamber pressure to the prescribed treatment depth while allowing the patient to equalize (Correct answer)
- To test the chamber for leaks
- To remove oxygen from the chamber
- To cool down the chamber temperature
Correct answer: To gradually increase chamber pressure to the prescribed treatment depth while allowing the patient to equalize
Compression gradually increases chamber pressure to the prescribed depth at a controlled rate (typically 1-3 psi/minute), allowing patients to equalize middle ear and sinus pressures through swallowing, jaw movement, or Valsalva maneuver.
Question 3: What emergency procedure is used if a fire occurs inside a monoplace hyperbaric chamber?
- Immediately decompress the chamber and remove the patient (Correct answer)
- Increase pressure to suppress the fire
- Inject water into the chamber
- Seal all vents and wait for the fire to consume available oxygen
Correct answer: Immediately decompress the chamber and remove the patient
Fire in a monoplace chamber requires immediate decompression per emergency protocol while simultaneously notifying emergency services, as the enriched oxygen environment makes fire extremely dangerous and fast-spreading.
Question 4: What is the function of the BIBS (Built-In Breathing System) in a multiplace chamber?
- To deliver 100% oxygen to patients through a mask while the chamber is pressurized with air (Correct answer)
- To monitor breathing rates of patients
- To filter carbon dioxide from the chamber
- To provide entertainment audio to patients
Correct answer: To deliver 100% oxygen to patients through a mask while the chamber is pressurized with air
BIBS delivers 100% oxygen via an oronasal mask or hood to patients inside a multiplace chamber that is pressurized with air, allowing oxygen treatment while maintaining a safe chamber atmosphere.
Question 5: What is the maximum oxygen concentration allowed in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber?
- 23.5% to minimize fire risk (Correct answer)
- 100% at all times
- 50% during treatment
- 15% for safety
Correct answer: 23.5% to minimize fire risk
The oxygen concentration in a multiplace chamber must be maintained below 23.5% to minimize fire risk, achieved through proper ventilation and exhaust of the patient's expired oxygen through the BIBS overboard dump system.
Question 6: What pre-treatment checks must a hyperbaric technologist perform before each treatment?
- Chamber integrity inspection, life support systems verification, fire suppression readiness, and communication systems test (Correct answer)
- Only checking the patient's vital signs
- Reviewing the patient's insurance information
- Verifying the chamber was used within the last week
Correct answer: Chamber integrity inspection, life support systems verification, fire suppression readiness, and communication systems test
Pre-treatment checks include chamber structural inspection, oxygen and air supply verification, BIBS function testing, fire suppression system check, communication system verification, emergency decompression readiness, and life support equipment calibration.
Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Hyperbaric Chamber Operations 1
What is the standard operating pressure for most clinical hyperbaric treatments?