CHS Wound Care & Tissue Healing Flashcards

Which type of wound is considered a primary indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS)?

Answer: Diabetic foot ulcer (Wagner Grade III or higher)

UHMS recognizes diabetic foot ulcers at Wagner Grade III or higher as a primary indication for HBOT when standard wound care has failed.

What is the primary mechanism by which HBOT promotes wound healing?

Answer: Increases tissue oxygen tension to stimulate angiogenesis and collagen synthesis

HBOT raises tissue pO2 levels, which drives fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) essential for wound repair.

Which oxygen partial pressure is typically required at the wound bed to support optimal fibroblast function?

Answer: Greater than 30 mmHg

Tissue oxygen tension above 30 mmHg is the threshold needed to support fibroblast activity, collagen deposition, and leukocyte killing of bacteria.

A CHS technologist notes that a patient's transcutaneous oxygen measurement (TCOM) at the wound site is 8 mmHg on room air. What does this finding indicate?

Answer: Severely compromised tissue perfusion unlikely to heal without intervention

A periwound TCOM below 20 mmHg indicates critical ischemia, and values below 30 mmHg are associated with poor spontaneous healing potential.

What is the Wagner Classification Grade that typically represents a full-thickness wound with exposed tendon or joint capsule in a diabetic patient?

Answer: Grade 3

Wagner Grade 3 denotes a deep ulcer with abscess, osteomyelitis, or joint sepsis, including wounds exposing tendon, capsule, or bone.

Which post-HBOT wound care practice is recommended to maintain the oxygen benefit after treatment?

Answer: Apply a moist wound healing dressing to maintain a conducive healing environment

Moist wound healing dressings maintain optimal wound bed moisture balance and protect the gains made during HBOT sessions.