Patient Care & Monitoring in Hyperbaric Settings Flashcards
7 cards from real CHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Care & Monitoring in Hyperbaric Settings flashcards as text
A pediatric patient is undergoing HBO therapy and becomes agitated and crying during the treatment. Which intervention should the CHT perform FIRST?
Answer: Calm the child verbally, assess for pain or claustrophobia, and contact the supervising physician
The initial response should be verbal reassurance and assessment; the physician should be notified before any pharmacological or treatment-ending intervention.
Which vital sign change would be EXPECTED as a normal physiologic response to hyperbaric oxygenation at therapeutic pressures?
Answer: Mild bradycardia and slight decrease in cardiac output
HBO causes mild bradycardia and reduced cardiac output due to oxygen-induced peripheral vasoconstriction, which is a normal physiologic response.
Before a patient enters a hyperbaric chamber, the CHT should verify that the patient has NOT used which of the following personal care products?
Answer: Petroleum-based hair products or oil-based lotions
Petroleum-based and oil-based products are flammable and pose a fire hazard in the oxygen-enriched environment of a hyperbaric chamber.
A hyperbaric patient with a history of seizures is being considered for HBO therapy. Which precaution is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Ensure seizure medications are taken, keep a lower treatment pressure if possible, and have seizure management equipment ready
A history of seizures is a relative contraindication; risk is managed by ensuring medication compliance, using lower pressures when feasible, and having emergency equipment available.
During decompression at the end of an HBO session, a patient complains of joint pain in the right knee. What is the MOST likely explanation?
Answer: Decompression sickness (Type I) due to nitrogen bubble formation
Joint pain (the bends) is a classic presentation of Type I decompression sickness caused by nitrogen bubble formation in joint tissues.
A wound care patient has a blood glucose of 55 mg/dL just before their scheduled HBO session. What is the MOST appropriate action?
Answer: Treat the hypoglycemia, recheck glucose, and defer HBO until glucose is stable and within acceptable range
Active hypoglycemia must be corrected and glucose stabilized before initiating HBO therapy, which can further lower blood glucose.
Which assessment finding in a post-treatment HBO patient would prompt the CHT to call for IMMEDIATE physician evaluation?
Answer: Sudden onset of confusion, dizziness, and visual disturbances
Sudden neurological changes post-HBO may indicate arterial gas embolism or CNS oxygen toxicity and require immediate physician evaluation.