CHS Hyperbaric Medicine Principles & Physiology 5

Question 1

What is the Fick principle as applied to oxygen delivery in hyperbaric physiology?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen consumption equals cardiac output multiplied by the arteriovenous oxygen difference

Answer

The Fick principle states that VO2 = CO × (CaO2 − CvO2), linking oxygen consumption to cardiac output and the arteriovenous oxygen content difference.

Question 2

A diver ascending too rapidly may develop pulmonary barotrauma. Which of the following is NOT a recognized manifestation of this injury?

Accepted Answer

Decompression sickness Type I joint pain

Answer

Pulmonary barotrauma causes AGE, pneumothorax, mediastinal emphysema, and subcutaneous emphysema; Type I joint pain DCS is caused by bubble formation in tissues, not lung rupture.

Question 3

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during HBO2 therapy serve a beneficial role in wound healing by:

Accepted Answer

Directly killing bacteria and stimulating fibroblast proliferation

Answer

At controlled levels, HBO2-generated ROS act as signaling molecules that enhance bactericidal activity of neutrophils and stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Question 4

In hyperbaric physiology, what does the term 'super-saturation' refer to in relation to decompression sickness risk?

Accepted Answer

Tissue inert gas tension exceeding ambient pressure, allowing bubble formation

Answer

Supersaturation occurs when inert gas tension in tissues exceeds the surrounding ambient pressure after ascent, creating conditions for bubble nucleation and decompression sickness.

Question 5

What is the physiological rationale for air breaks during hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Accepted Answer

To allow washout of reactive oxygen species and reduce CNS oxygen toxicity risk

Answer

Air breaks interrupt continuous oxygen exposure, allowing tissue antioxidant defenses to recover and reducing cumulative risk of CNS oxygen toxicity seizures.

(CHS) Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Practice Test

(CHS) Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Practice Test

CHS Hyperbaric Medicine Principles & Physiology 5