Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

When considering the goal of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in treating decompression sickness (DCS), the primary focus is on the elimination of inert gas from the body. DCS often occurs when a diver ascends too quickly, leading to the formation of gas bubbles in the bloodstream due to a reduction in pressure. These gas bubbles can cause various symptoms and tissue damage.

HBO therapy works by increasing the pressure around the patient, which helps decrease the size of these gas bubbles and promotes the diffusion of the inert gas, primarily nitrogen, back into the solution of the blood and tissues. This process facilitates the safe elimination of these gases, thus addressing the root cause of DCS. Additionally, HBO therapy increases the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues, supporting cellular repair and healing, but the primary objective in the context of DCS is effectively managing inert gas elimination.

The other options provide benefits related to HBO therapy but do not represent the main goal in treating DCS specifically. Preventing gas accumulation is not a direct aim of the therapy; instead, the focus is on managing the presence of existing gas bubbles. Although pain reduction can be a secondary outcome following successful treatment, it is not the principal goal. Therefore, the elimination of inert gas