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

Bleomycin causes pulmonary fibrosis on its own, and HBO therapy dramatically potentiates this pulmonary toxicity, making concurrent use a major contraindication.

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

Facial twitching and lip tremors are VENTID-C warning signs of CNS oxygen toxicity; the immediate response is to remove the oxygen stimulus and begin safe decompression.

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

Active seizure disorder is a relative contraindication; HBO can proceed with physician evaluation, optimized seizure management, and heightened monitoring for oxygen toxicity warning signs.

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

Fever increases metabolic rate and lowers the seizure threshold, significantly increasing the risk of CNS oxygen toxicity during HBO therapy.

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

Disulfiram inhibits superoxide dismutase and other antioxidant enzymes, reducing the body's ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species generated during HBO, dramatically increasing toxicity risk.

(CHT) Certified Hyperbaric Technician Practice Test

(CHT) Certified Hyperbaric Technician Practice Test

CHT Oxygen Toxicity & Contraindications 2