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CHS Decompression Sickness & Diving Medicine Flashcards

6 cards from real CHS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 CHS Decompression Sickness & Diving Medicine flashcards as text

  1. Which condition is treated with US Navy Treatment Table 5 rather than Table 6?

    Answer: Mild Type I DCS (pain only) that resolves completely with initial oxygen breathing at 60 fsw

    USN TT5 is appropriate for mild Type I DCS (musculoskeletal pain, skin symptoms) that fully resolves during the initial oxygen-breathing period at 60 fsw, indicating a favorable response.

  2. A diver reports progressive tingling in both legs after surfacing from a deep dive. This bilateral lower extremity paresthesia most likely indicates what type of DCS?

    Answer: Spinal cord DCS (Type II), requiring urgent HBOT

    Bilateral paresthesias of the lower extremities strongly suggest spinal cord bubble formation affecting the thoracic or lumbar cord, classifying this as Type II (neurological) DCS.

  3. What is the maximum delay between DCS symptom onset and first HBOT treatment still considered likely to provide neurological benefit?

    Answer: There is no absolute cutoff; treat as soon as possible even if delayed by hours or days

    While earlier treatment is always better, HBOT can still provide benefit in DCS even when delayed by 24 hours or more, particularly for neurological symptoms, and should never be withheld solely due to delay.

  4. A patient with DCS is being treated with USN TT6 and reports symptom recurrence after initial improvement. What is the appropriate response?

    Answer: Extend the table by adding oxygen breathing periods or repeat TT6 as directed by the physician

    Symptom recurrence or inadequate resolution during TT6 warrants table extension with additional 20-minute oxygen-breathing periods or repeat treatments under physician direction.

  5. Oxygen breathing breaks during USN Treatment Tables are provided to prevent what complication?

    Answer: Central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity seizures

    Air breaks during treatment tables reduce cumulative CNS oxygen exposure, lowering the risk of oxygen toxicity seizures without significantly compromising the treatment's therapeutic effectiveness.

  6. What pre-treatment measure should a CHS technologist perform for a diver presenting with AGE before the patient enters the chamber?

    Answer: Administer high-flow 100% normobaric oxygen by tight-fitting mask during pre-chamber preparation

    Continuous 100% normobaric oxygen before and during transport accelerates nitrogen washout, reduces bubble size, and maintains cerebral oxygenation while preparing for HBOT.