CHS CHS Decompression Sickness & Diving Medicine 2

Question 1

Which condition is treated with US Navy Treatment Table 5 rather than Table 6?

Accepted Answer

Mild Type I DCS (pain only) that resolves completely with initial oxygen breathing at 60 fsw

Answer

USN TT5 is appropriate for mild Type I DCS (musculoskeletal pain, skin symptoms) that fully resolves during the initial oxygen-breathing period at 60 fsw, indicating a favorable response.

Question 2

A diver reports progressive tingling in both legs after surfacing from a deep dive. This bilateral lower extremity paresthesia most likely indicates what type of DCS?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord DCS (Type II), requiring urgent HBOT

Answer

Bilateral paresthesias of the lower extremities strongly suggest spinal cord bubble formation affecting the thoracic or lumbar cord, classifying this as Type II (neurological) DCS.

Question 3

What is the maximum delay between DCS symptom onset and first HBOT treatment still considered likely to provide neurological benefit?

Accepted Answer

There is no absolute cutoff; treat as soon as possible even if delayed by hours or days

Answer

While earlier treatment is always better, HBOT can still provide benefit in DCS even when delayed by 24 hours or more, particularly for neurological symptoms, and should never be withheld solely due to delay.

Question 4

A patient with DCS is being treated with USN TT6 and reports symptom recurrence after initial improvement. What is the appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Extend the table by adding oxygen breathing periods or repeat TT6 as directed by the physician

Answer

Symptom recurrence or inadequate resolution during TT6 warrants table extension with additional 20-minute oxygen-breathing periods or repeat treatments under physician direction.

Question 5

Oxygen breathing breaks during USN Treatment Tables are provided to prevent what complication?

Accepted Answer

Central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity seizures

Answer

Air breaks during treatment tables reduce cumulative CNS oxygen exposure, lowering the risk of oxygen toxicity seizures without significantly compromising the treatment's therapeutic effectiveness.

(CHS) Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Practice Test

(CHS) Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Practice Test

CHS CHS Decompression Sickness & Diving Medicine 2