Treatment Planning & Protocols 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 Treatment Planning & Protocols flashcards as text
Which condition represents the only absolute contraindication to hyperbaric oxygen therapy that must be resolved before treatment begins?
Answer: Untreated pneumothorax
Untreated pneumothorax is the single absolute contraindication because increasing pressure can convert it to a life-threatening tension pneumothorax.
Before initiating HBO2 in a patient with an implanted electronic device (e.g., pacemaker), the hyperbaric physician must verify:
Answer: The device has been tested and approved for use at the planned hyperbaric pressure
Implanted electronic devices must have documented manufacturer pressure ratings confirming safety at the intended treatment depth before HBO2 proceeds.
A diabetic patient presents for HBO2 with a blood glucose of 340 mg/dL. The appropriate action is:
Answer: Delay treatment until glucose is better controlled
Significant hyperglycemia impairs wound healing and increases infection risk; glucose should generally be below 250 mg/dL before treatment.
Which medication significantly increases the risk of CNS oxygen toxicity during HBO2 by inhibiting superoxide dismutase?
Answer: Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Disulfiram inhibits superoxide dismutase, a key antioxidant enzyme, markedly increasing CNS oxygen toxicity susceptibility during HBO2.
During pressurization, a patient reports increasing ear pain and cannot equalize. The correct protocol response is:
Answer: Stop pressurization, allow equalization, then resume at a slower rate if successful
Pressurization should halt to prevent barotrauma; after successful equalization the rate can be slowed and the descent resumed.
A pregnant patient with suspected severe CO poisoning presents to the hyperbaric facility. The correct approach is:
Answer: Proceed with HBO2 because maternal and fetal benefits outweigh theoretical risks
Severe CO poisoning in pregnancy carries high fetal mortality risk, making HBO2 strongly indicated — benefits far outweigh theoretical fetal risks.
A patient with a history of seizures is referred for HBO2. Before starting therapy, the hyperbaric physician must prioritize:
Answer: Evaluating current seizure control and anticonvulsant regimen
HBO2 lowers the seizure threshold; adequacy of current seizure control and medications must be confirmed before proceeding with treatment.