Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Hyperbaric Medicine and Indications 3

Question 1

Which condition is an ABSOLUTE contraindication to hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Accepted Answer

Untreated tension pneumothorax

Answer

An untreated pneumothorax can convert to a life-threatening tension pneumothorax during decompression, making it an absolute contraindication.

Question 2

A relative contraindication to HBO due to risk of pulmonary oxygen toxicity and air trapping is:

Accepted Answer

Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with bleb formation

Answer

Bullous COPD raises the risk of air trapping and barotrauma, making it a relative contraindication requiring caution.

Question 3

Which medication is classically contraindicated during HBO because it can cause severe pulmonary toxicity with high oxygen exposure?

Accepted Answer

Bleomycin

Answer

Bleomycin combined with high oxygen tension increases the risk of fatal pulmonary fibrosis.

Question 4

Central nervous system oxygen toxicity during HBO most characteristically presents with:

Accepted Answer

A grand mal seizure

Answer

CNS oxygen toxicity (the Paul Bert effect) can manifest abruptly as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.

Question 5

The most common adverse effect experienced by patients during hyperbaric compression is:

Accepted Answer

Middle ear barotrauma

Answer

Failure to equalize middle ear pressure during compression makes aural barotrauma the most frequent HBO complication.

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