Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Patient Care and Safety in the Hyperbaric Environment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During decompression a patient develops joint pain. What complication should the technologist suspect?
- Decompression sickness (Correct answer)
- Oxygen toxicity
- Middle ear barotrauma
- Hypoglycemia
Correct answer: Decompression sickness
Joint pain during or after decompression is a classic sign of decompression sickness from nitrogen bubble formation.
Question 2: What is the correct technologist response if a fire is detected in a monoplace chamber?
- Open the door slowly to vent oxygen
- Activate emergency decompression and follow facility fire protocol (Correct answer)
- Increase pressure to smother the flames
- Wait for the treatment cycle to end
Correct answer: Activate emergency decompression and follow facility fire protocol
Rapid emergency decompression and immediate fire protocol activation are required to protect the patient.
Question 3: Why must IV fluid bags be vented or use specialized equipment inside a chamber?
- To prevent the bag from collapsing under pressure
- To stop air from being forced into the patient as pressure changes (Correct answer)
- To keep fluids warm
- To speed up infusion rate
Correct answer: To stop air from being forced into the patient as pressure changes
Gas in IV systems expands and contracts with pressure, so venting prevents air embolism and dosing errors.
Question 4: A claustrophobic patient becomes anxious during compression. What is the best initial intervention?
- Sedate immediately without assessment
- Provide reassurance, communication, and coaching through the chamber intercom (Correct answer)
- Abort and cancel all future treatments
- Ignore it until symptoms worsen
Correct answer: Provide reassurance, communication, and coaching through the chamber intercom
Calm verbal reassurance and continuous communication usually manage mild claustrophobia without aborting treatment.
Question 5: What is the purpose of an air break during a hyperbaric oxygen treatment?
- To reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity (Correct answer)
- To allow the patient to eat
- To lower chamber pressure permanently
- To recalibrate the oxygen sensor
Correct answer: To reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity
Periodic air breaks reduce continuous oxygen exposure and lower the risk of CNS oxygen toxicity.
Question 6: Which condition is generally considered an absolute contraindication for HBO therapy?
- Untreated pneumothorax (Correct answer)
- Controlled diabetes
- Healed surgical wound
- Mild seasonal allergies
Correct answer: Untreated pneumothorax
An untreated pneumothorax can expand dangerously under pressure changes and is an absolute contraindication.
Question 7: What should the technologist confirm about a patient's hands and feet before treatment?
- That no nail polish or prohibited cosmetics are present (Correct answer)
- That they are wearing rings of any metal
- That lotion has been freshly applied
- That nails are painted for identification
Correct answer: That no nail polish or prohibited cosmetics are present
Cosmetics, nail polish, and petroleum products are removed because they pose flammability and contamination risks.
Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Patient Care and Safety in the Hyperbaric Environment 3
During decompression a patient develops joint pain.
What complication should the technologist suspect?