Oxygen Toxicity & Barotrauma Management Flashcards
7 cards from real CHS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Oxygen Toxicity & Barotrauma Management flashcards as text
Middle ear squeeze (barotitis media) during HBO therapy is caused by:
Answer: Failure of the Eustachian tube to equalize pressure across the tympanic membrane
Middle ear squeeze results when the Eustachian tube fails to open and allow pressure equalization, causing the tympanic membrane to deform under increasing chamber pressure.
Which equalization technique is generally preferred for patients with difficulty clearing their ears during HBO compression?
Answer: Modified Valsalva (pinch nose and swallow or yawn)
The modified Valsalva (pinch nose and gently swallow or yawn) is preferred because it is gentler and reduces the risk of inner ear barotrauma compared to forceful exhalation.
Pulmonary barotrauma during ascent in a hyperbaric chamber is most likely when a patient:
Answer: Holds their breath while the chamber is decompressing
Breath-holding during decompression traps expanding gas in the lungs with no escape route, risking pulmonary overpressurization injury and arterial gas embolism.
Arterial gas embolism (AGE) as a complication of pulmonary overpressurization is the primary treatment:
Answer: Immediate recompression to 2.8 ATA with oxygen breathing (USN Table 6)
AGE requires immediate recompression to physically reduce bubble size and dissolve gas emboli; USN Treatment Table 6 at 2.8 ATA with oxygen is the standard protocol.
Which paranasal sinus is most commonly affected by sinus squeeze (sinus barotrauma)?
Answer: Maxillary sinus
The maxillary sinuses are most frequently affected by sinus squeeze because of their size and the high prevalence of ostial obstruction from nasal congestion or polyps.
Barodontalgia (tooth squeeze) during HBO therapy is most commonly caused by:
Answer: Gas trapped beneath dental restorations, in caries, or under crowns
Gas pockets trapped within dental defects, restorations, or beneath poorly fitting crowns undergo compression and expansion during pressure changes, causing pain or structural injury.
Which condition represents an absolute contraindication to HBO therapy due to significant barotrauma risk?
Answer: Untreated pneumothorax
Untreated pneumothorax is an absolute contraindication because pressurization and decompression of trapped pleural air can cause tension pneumothorax or facilitate arterial gas embolism.