Mixed Deck — All Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test Topics Flashcards

Why are air breaks often incorporated into longer wound-treatment dives?

Answer: To reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity while maintaining therapy

Periodic air breaks lower cumulative oxygen exposure, reducing toxicity risk during extended protocols.

If a fire ignites inside a monoplace hyperbaric chamber during a treatment, what is the FIRST priority action?

Answer: Begin immediate emergency decompression

Immediate emergency decompression is the first priority to rapidly reduce the oxygen-enriched atmosphere and allow the patient to exit the chamber.

For a patient on the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, the technologist should be aware that HBO2 may:

Answer: Potentiate the drug's cytotoxic and cardiotoxic effects

Doxorubicin is a recognized HBO2 interaction concern due to enhanced toxicity.

A sealed flexible bag holds 6 L of gas at the surface (1 ATA). At 3 ATA in a hyperbaric chamber, what is its approximate volume, assuming constant temperature?

Answer: 2 L

Boyle's Law gives V2 = (P1V1)/P2 = (1 x 6)/3 = 2 L.

Which type of hyperbaric chamber allows multiple patients to be treated at once?

Answer: Multiplace chamber

A multiplace hyperbaric chamber is specifically designed to accommodate several patients simultaneously, along with medical staff. These chambers are typically pressurized with compressed air, and patients breathe 100% oxygen through individual hoods or masks. This setup allows for continuous monitoring and direct intervention by attendants inside the chamber, enhancing patient care and safety.

What does the term 'sea level equivalent' refer to during a hyperbaric treatment?

Answer: A reference depth/pressure used to express treatment depth

Treatment pressures are commonly expressed as a depth equivalent referenced to sea level.

Hyperoxia during HBO2 promotes wound healing partly by stimulating which process essential for new tissue?

Answer: Angiogenesis and fibroblast collagen synthesis

Elevated oxygen tension drives angiogenesis and supports collagen production by fibroblasts.

The role of the Hyperbaric Technologist during a monoplace chamber treatment primarily includes:

Answer: Monitoring patient condition, managing chamber pressure and gas supply, and responding to emergencies

The technologist manages all operational aspects of the treatment — pressure, gas supply, patient monitoring — from outside the chamber.

A wound patient develops twitching, visual changes, and anxiety at depth. This most likely indicates:

Answer: CNS oxygen toxicity requiring reduction of oxygen exposure

These are signs of CNS oxygen toxicity, managed by removing the O2 source/air break and reducing exposure.

What pre-treatment checks must a hyperbaric technologist perform before each treatment?

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.

How does gauge pressure differ from absolute pressure in hyperbaric medicine?

Answer: Gauge measures pressure above atmospheric; absolute includes atmospheric pressure (gauge + 1 ATA at sea level)

Gauge pressure (psig) measures pressure above atmospheric baseline, while absolute pressure (psia or ATA) includes atmospheric pressure. At sea level: 1 ATA absolute = 0 psig. At 2 ATA: gauge is 14.7 psig.

What is the typical pressure used in hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Answer: 2.0 to 2.5 ATA

The typical pressure range for most hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatments is between 2.0 and 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA). This range is considered optimal for achieving significant therapeutic benefits, such as dramatically increasing dissolved oxygen in the blood, while simultaneously minimizing the risks of oxygen toxicity and barotrauma. Adhering to this range ensures both efficacy and patient safety.

Why must temperature be controlled in a hyperbaric chamber?

Answer: Charles’s Law

Charles’s Law states that for a fixed amount of gas at constant pressure, the volume is directly proportional to its absolute temperature. In a hyperbaric chamber, temperature fluctuations can affect gas volumes and pressures, impacting patient comfort and the precise delivery of therapeutic gases. Therefore, maintaining a stable temperature is essential for accurate and safe treatment delivery.

Increased dissolved oxygen in plasma during HBOT is best explained by which law?

Answer: Henry's Law

Henry's Law explains greater oxygen partial pressure dissolves more oxygen directly into plasma.

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.

A written hyperbaric safety program must include a section on:

Answer: Fire prevention, emergency procedures, patient screening, and staff training requirements

A complete hyperbaric safety program addresses fire risk, emergency response, patient selection, and the training requirements that protect patients and staff.

How often must a hyperbaric chamber undergo a formal safety inspection according to ASME PVHO-1 standards?

Answer: Annually, with records retained for audit

ASME PVHO-1 and NFPA 99 require annual inspections of pressure vessels for human occupancy to ensure structural and safety compliance.

Why should insulin-dependent diabetics have their insulin dosing evaluated before a course of HBO treatments?

Answer: HBO enhances glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, potentially causing hypoglycemia

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

Tooth squeeze (barodontalgia) during HBO is caused by:

Answer: Air trapped in dental cavities or beneath fillings

Barodontalgia occurs when air trapped under defective fillings or in cavities cannot equilibrate with changing chamber pressure.

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.