Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

The phase considered critical for administering hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) following a skin graft is immediately following surgery. This timing is crucial because the early post-operative period plays a significant role in the viability of the graft. Administering HBO therapy at this stage can enhance tissue oxygenation, reduce edema, and promote angiogenesis, all of which are essential for improving graft survival rates.

Immediate HBO administration helps in facilitating the healing process by providing the necessary oxygen levels to support cellular metabolism in the area of the graft. This heightened oxygen environment is particularly beneficial during the first few hours to days when the graft is most vulnerable.

The other phases, such as 1-2 days post-surgery, a week after surgery, and during the graft evaluation, are less critical as the immediate post-operative window is where the impact of HBO is most pronounced. Delaying HBO therapy could reduce its overall effectiveness in promoting successful graft integration and healing.