CHS CHS Wound Care & Tissue Healing 3

Question 1

In the context of HBOT for wound care, what does the term 'hypoxic drive' at the wound edge mean?

Accepted Answer

A gradient where the hypoxic wound edge stimulates growth factor release to recruit healing cells

Answer

The oxygen gradient from oxygenated peripheral tissue to the hypoxic wound center drives VEGF and other growth factor release, directing cell migration into the wound.

Question 2

Which biofilm characteristic makes chronic wounds particularly resistant to standard antibiotic therapy?

Accepted Answer

Biofilm matrix protects bacteria from antibiotics and immune cells

Answer

The extracellular polysaccharide matrix of biofilms creates a physical and chemical barrier that shields embedded bacteria from both antibiotic penetration and phagocytic attack.

Question 3

What clinical sign at a wound site would suggest an anaerobic infection that may specifically benefit from HBOT?

Accepted Answer

Crepitus (gas in tissues) with foul-smelling exudate

Answer

Crepitus from gas-producing anaerobes combined with malodorous exudate strongly suggests a clostridial or mixed anaerobic infection — a direct indication for adjunctive HBOT.

Question 4

A CHS technologist documents a 20% reduction in wound surface area after 10 HBOT sessions. According to UHMS guidelines, this rate of healing suggests what?

Accepted Answer

Adequate response warranting continuation of HBOT

Answer

A reduction of 20–40% in wound area after 10–20 HBOT treatments is generally considered a positive response indicating the therapy is beneficial.

Question 5

Which patient complication during HBOT wound care series would require immediate notification of the supervising physician?

Accepted Answer

New wound dehiscence or signs of spreading infection between sessions

Answer

New wound dehiscence or spreading erythema and warmth between sessions signals worsening infection or graft failure requiring urgent physician reassessment of the treatment plan.

(CHS) Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Practice Test

(CHS) Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Practice Test

CHS CHS Wound Care & Tissue Healing 3