Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Hyperbaric Wound Healing

Question 1

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy promote wound healing?

Accepted Answer

By increasing tissue oxygen levels to stimulate angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and white blood cell function

Answer

HBO therapy dramatically increases dissolved oxygen in plasma, promoting new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), enhancing fibroblast collagen production, improving neutrophil bacterial killing, and reducing edema through vasoconstriction.

Question 2

What is the recommended HBO protocol for diabetic foot ulcers?

Accepted Answer

2.0-2.4 ATA for 90 minutes, 5 days per week for 20-40 treatments

Answer

Diabetic foot ulcers typically require treatment at 2.0-2.4 ATA for 90 minutes per session, 5 days per week, with a treatment course of 20-40 sessions depending on wound response.

Question 3

What role does transcutaneous oxygen measurement (TcPO2) play in HBO therapy?

Accepted Answer

It assesses tissue oxygenation to predict wound healing potential and patient selection for HBO

Answer

TcPO2 measurements assess the oxygen level at the wound site, helping determine if the tissue is hypoxic and whether HBO therapy can adequately increase oxygen delivery to promote healing, guiding patient selection.

Question 4

What is the mechanism by which HBO therapy helps treat chronic refractory osteomyelitis?

Accepted Answer

By increasing oxygen delivery to infected bone, enhancing antibiotic effectiveness and white blood cell bactericidal activity

Answer

HBO increases oxygen tension in infected bone tissue, which enhances neutrophil killing activity (which requires oxygen), potentiates certain antibiotics, stimulates osteoclast and osteoblast activity, and promotes new bone formation.

Question 5

When should HBO therapy be discontinued for a non-healing wound?

Accepted Answer

If no measurable wound improvement is observed after 15-20 treatments

Answer

If a wound shows no measurable improvement (reduction in size, improved granulation tissue, decreased drainage) after 15-20 treatments, the case should be reviewed, as continuing HBO without demonstrated benefit is not warranted.

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Practice Test

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Practice Test

Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Hyperbaric Wound Healing