CHT Hyperbaric Contraindications and Complications 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 Hyperbaric Contraindications and Complications flashcards as text
A patient experiences a tonic-clonic seizure at 2.4 ATA during HBO. The immediate action is to:
Answer: Remove the oxygen mask and protect the airway
Removing the oxygen mask stops further O2 delivery; the seizure typically self-terminates, and rapid decompression during a seizure risks pulmonary barotrauma.
Sinus squeeze (sinus barotrauma) is best prevented by:
Answer: Ensuring the patient is free of upper respiratory congestion before treatment
Sinus barotrauma occurs when blocked sinuses cannot equalize; treating or deferring patients with congestion prevents this complication.
Visual changes (myopia) experienced by patients after multiple HBO treatments are:
Answer: Usually reversible within weeks to months after completing therapy
HBO-induced myopia results from temporary lens changes and typically resolves within 6–8 weeks after completing treatments.
Which relative contraindication requires special precaution because trapped gas may expand on ascent?
Answer: History of thoracic surgery with blebs or bullae
Pulmonary blebs or bullae can rupture during decompression as trapped gas expands, risking pneumothorax or arterial gas embolism.
Confinement anxiety (claustrophobia) in a hyperbaric patient is classified as:
Answer: A relative contraindication that can often be managed with anxiolytics
Claustrophobia is a relative contraindication that can frequently be managed with anxiolytics, patient education, and acclimation tours of the chamber.
Nitrogen narcosis is NOT a concern in HBO therapy primarily because:
Answer: Patients breathe 100% oxygen, eliminating nitrogen narcosis risk
Since patients breathe 100% oxygen during HBO (not air), there is no nitrogen present to cause narcosis.
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