CHT Oxygen Toxicity & Contraindications 2

Question 1

Which chemotherapeutic agent is considered a major contraindication to HBO therapy due to significantly increased pulmonary toxicity risk?

Accepted Answer

Bleomycin

Answer

Cisplatin

Answer

Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

Answer

Methotrexate

Question 2

An HBO patient inside a monoplace chamber suddenly develops facial twitching and lip tremors. The technician's FIRST action should be:

Accepted Answer

Switch the patient to air breathing and prepare to decompress the chamber

Answer

Increase chamber pressure to suppress the developing seizure

Answer

Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask through the side port

Answer

Notify the physician and continue the treatment while observing closely

Question 3

Active seizure disorder is classified as which type of contraindication to HBO therapy?

Accepted Answer

Relative contraindication that may be managed with precautions and monitoring

Answer

Absolute contraindication requiring permanent exclusion from all HBO treatment

Answer

No contraindication — seizure history does not affect HBO safety

Answer

Contraindication only for monoplace chambers, not multiplace chambers

Question 4

Which of the following patients would be at GREATEST risk for CNS oxygen toxicity during an HBO session?

Accepted Answer

A patient with a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) and elevated metabolic rate

Answer

A well-hydrated patient with well-controlled hypertension

Answer

An elderly patient with stable osteoarthritis on NSAIDs

Answer

A patient who received a normal saline IV bolus prior to treatment

Question 5

Which medication is considered a major contraindication with HBO therapy because it inhibits superoxide dismutase, potentially worsening oxygen free radical damage?

Accepted Answer

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Answer

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Answer

Metformin

Answer

Prednisone

Question 6

The earliest measurable pulmonary function change indicating early pulmonary oxygen toxicity is:

Accepted Answer

Decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC)

Answer

Increase in residual volume (RV)

Answer

Decrease in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)

Answer

Increase in total lung capacity (TLC)

Question 7

Congenital spherocytosis is a concern in HBO therapy primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Abnormally fragile spherocytes are susceptible to hemolysis under increased atmospheric pressure

Answer

Abnormal hemoglobin prevents adequate dissolved oxygen delivery to tissues

Answer

Spherocytes are preferentially destroyed by oxygen free radicals during HBO

Answer

These patients have impaired immune responses to pressure changes