CHS Oxygen Toxicity & Barotrauma Management 2

Question 1

Middle ear squeeze (barotitis media) during HBO therapy is caused by:

Accepted Answer

Failure of the Eustachian tube to equalize pressure across the tympanic membrane

Answer

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.

Question 2

Which equalization technique is generally preferred for patients with difficulty clearing their ears during HBO compression?

Accepted Answer

Modified Valsalva (pinch nose and swallow or yawn)

Answer

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.

Question 3

Pulmonary barotrauma during ascent in a hyperbaric chamber is most likely when a patient:

Accepted Answer

Holds their breath while the chamber is decompressing

Answer

Breath-holding during decompression traps expanding gas in the lungs with no escape route, risking pulmonary overpressurization injury and arterial gas embolism.

Question 4

Arterial gas embolism (AGE) as a complication of pulmonary overpressurization is the primary treatment:

Accepted Answer

Immediate recompression to 2.8 ATA with oxygen breathing (USN Table 6)

Answer

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.

Question 5

Which paranasal sinus is most commonly affected by sinus squeeze (sinus barotrauma)?

Accepted Answer

Maxillary sinus

Answer

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.

(CHS) Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Practice Test

(CHS) Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Practice Test

CHS Oxygen Toxicity & Barotrauma Management 2