Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

What is a common clinical indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

1. Obesity management

2. Chronic fatigue syndrome

3. Diabetic foot ulcers

4. Allergic reactions

The correct answer is: Diabetic foot ulcers

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is commonly employed to treat conditions where enhanced oxygen delivery to tissues can promote healing. One of the most established clinical indications for HBOT is the management of diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers are chronic wounds that often develop in patients with diabetes due to impaired circulation and neuropathy. The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps increase the oxygen concentration in the tissues, facilitating angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), reducing inflammation, and enhancing the overall healing process. This environment aids in overcoming the hypoxic conditions typical in diabetic ulcers, making it easier for these wounds to heal and reducing the risk of infection and subsequent amputations. Other options listed, such as obesity management, chronic fatigue syndrome, and allergic reactions, do not have a strong or established evidence base for the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. While they may present challenging health issues, they do not typically benefit from the physiological effects of HBOT in the same way that diabetic foot ulcers do. This specificity in applications underscores the importance of understanding the appropriate uses of hyperbaric therapy in clinical practice.