CHS Patient Safety & Risk Management 3

Question 1

A patient develops middle ear barotrauma during descent in a hyperbaric chamber. What is the APPROPRIATE clinical response?

Accepted Answer

Stop compression, ascend slightly, and have the patient attempt equalization techniques

Answer

Stopping compression, ascending slightly, and coaching the patient through equalization techniques (Valsalva, Frenzel) is the standard response to ear barotrauma during descent.

Question 2

Which blood glucose level should trigger postponement of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a diabetic patient prior to pressurization?

Accepted Answer

Less than 60 mg/dL or greater than 400 mg/dL

Answer

Blood glucose below 60 mg/dL (hypoglycemia risk) or above 400 mg/dL (ketoacidosis risk) generally warrants postponement of HBO treatment for diabetic patients.

Question 3

What is the primary hazard associated with cotton clothing in a hyperbaric oxygen environment?

Accepted Answer

Cotton is a fuel source that can ignite in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere

Answer

Cotton, while less flammable than synthetic fabrics, remains a combustible fuel source that poses fire risk in the oxygen-enriched hyperbaric environment.

Question 4

A patient treated with bleomycin chemotherapy requires hyperbaric oxygen for a non-oncologic wound. What specific risk must be considered?

Accepted Answer

Bleomycin sensitizes lung tissue to oxygen toxicity, increasing pulmonary fibrosis risk

Answer

Bleomycin sensitizes pulmonary tissue to oxygen toxicity, and high-pressure oxygen can precipitate or worsen pulmonary fibrosis in patients who have received this drug.

Question 5

During a hyperbaric treatment, a patient in a multiplace chamber reports sudden severe chest pain. After ruling out musculoskeletal causes, what is the primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Arterial gas embolism or pneumothorax requiring immediate decompression evaluation

Answer

Sudden severe chest pain in a hyperbaric patient must raise immediate concern for arterial gas embolism or pneumothorax, both of which require urgent clinical evaluation.

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

CHS Patient Safety & Risk Management 3