CHT Decompression Sickness and Gas Embolism Treatment Flashcards
6 cards from real Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CHT Decompression Sickness and Gas Embolism Treatment flashcards as text
The standard US Navy treatment table for serious decompression sickness (Type II) or arterial gas embolism is:
Answer: USN Treatment Table 6
USN Table 6 is the standard treatment for serious DCS and AGE, using 60 fsw at 2.8 ATA with oxygen breathing and structured decompression stops.
Type I decompression sickness (DCS) is characterized by:
Answer: Joint pain, skin mottling, or lymphatic symptoms without neurological involvement
Type I DCS involves musculoskeletal, skin, and lymphatic symptoms; Type II involves more serious neurological or cardiopulmonary manifestations.
Arterial gas embolism (AGE) most commonly occurs as a result of:
Answer: Pulmonary over-inflation with gas entering pulmonary veins during ascent
AGE results from pulmonary barotrauma during ascent; ruptured alveoli allow gas to enter pulmonary veins and reach the arterial circulation.
First aid for a suspected DCS or AGE victim before reaching a recompression chamber includes:
Answer: 100% normobaric oxygen, IV fluids, and supine positioning
High-flow 100% oxygen accelerates nitrogen washout from bubbles; fluids support circulation; supine positioning prevents orthostatic hypotension.
The 'chokes' in decompression sickness refers to:
Answer: Pulmonary DCS with chest pain, coughing, and respiratory distress from venous gas emboli in the lungs
'Chokes' describes pulmonary venous gas embolism causing impaired gas exchange; it is a serious form of DCS requiring urgent recompression.
If a patient's neurological DCS symptoms worsen during USN Table 6, the recommended action is:
Answer: Extend the table by adding oxygen periods at 60 fsw and consult the diving medical officer
Table 6 allows for extensions at 60 fsw; worsening symptoms warrant table extension and expert consultation rather than premature surfacing.
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