Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary purpose of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is to:
- Increase red blood cell count
- Reduce nitrogen in the body
- Increase oxygen delivery to tissues
- Stimulate immune cell production
Rationale:
HBOT works by increasing the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues and promoting healing.
2. The typical pressure used in a monoplace hyperbaric chamber is:
A. 1 ATA 1 / 4
B. 2 ATA
C. 2.0–3.0 ATA
D. 4 ATA
Rationale:
Most monoplace chambers operate between 2.0 and 3.0 ATA to achieve therapeutic oxygenation safely.
- Which of the following is a contraindication for HBOT?
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Chronic non-healing wounds
- Untreated pneumothorax
- Diabetic foot ulcers
Rationale:
An untreated pneumothorax can expand under pressure and cause a life- threatening tension pneumothorax in the chamber.
4. The standard gas used in monoplace chambers is:
- Helium
- 100% Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Air
Rationale:
Monoplace chambers are typically pressurized with 100% oxygen to maximize oxygen delivery to tissues. 2 / 4
- Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for HBOT?
- Mild sinus congestion
- Controlled asthma
- Untreated pneumothorax
- Claustrophobia
Rationale:
Untreated pneumothorax is an absolute contraindication because pressurization can cause lung collapse.
6. Barotrauma occurs due to:
- Low oxygen levels
- Pressure changes affecting gas-filled spaces
- Infection
- Dehydration
Rationale:
Barotrauma results from pressure differentials that affect air-containing cavities like the lungs, sinuses, and ears.
7. The therapeutic mechanism of HBOT in wound healing is primarily:
- Increasing nitric oxide production
- Increasing tissue oxygenation
- Stimulating bone marrow
- Reducing inflammation only 3 / 4
Rationale:
HBOT improves oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues, promoting angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and infection control.
8. The “oxygen window” refers to:
- The time oxygen is delivered
- The pressure gradient promoting inert gas elimination
- Oxygen saturation in blood
- Chamber inspection schedule
Rationale:
The oxygen window is the difference in partial pressures between oxygen in tissues and inert gases, facilitating nitrogen elimination.
9. A patient develops ear pain during descent. The likely cause is:
- Oxygen toxicity
- Middle ear barotrauma
- Anxiety
- Hypoxia
Rationale:
Middle ear barotrauma occurs when the Eustachian tube fails to equalize pressure during descent.
10. The main risk of 100% oxygen at high pressures is:
- Hypoxia
- Oxygen toxicity
- / 4