CHS Patient Assessment & Evaluation 2

Question 1

A patient with a history of spontaneous pneumothorax presents for HBO therapy. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Obtain physician clearance and consider prophylactic chest tube

Answer

Prior spontaneous pneumothorax is a relative contraindication requiring physician evaluation; prophylactic chest tube placement may be needed before HBO.

Question 2

Which ear exam finding would most likely lead to postponement of HBO therapy?

Accepted Answer

Acute otitis media with effusion

Answer

Acute otitis media with effusion impairs Eustachian tube function and increases risk of tympanic membrane barotrauma during pressurization.

Question 3

During the pre-treatment assessment, a patient reports taking bleomycin for cancer. This is significant because HBO may cause:

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary oxygen toxicity potentiation

Answer

Bleomycin sensitizes lung tissue to oxygen toxicity, making HBO a relative contraindication requiring oncologist consultation.

Question 4

A diabetic patient's blood glucose before HBO therapy is 60 mg/dL. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Delay treatment and provide a carbohydrate snack, then recheck

Answer

Hypoglycemia must be corrected before HBO because the metabolic demands of treatment can worsen low blood sugar.

Question 5

Which cranial nerve is primarily evaluated when assessing a patient's ability to auto-insufflate during descent?

Accepted Answer

CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)

Answer

CN IX innervates the Eustachian tube musculature involved in auto-insufflation (Valsalva and Toynbee maneuvers).

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

CHS Patient Assessment & Evaluation 2