Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is an essential precaution when using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

1. Use of flammable products is permitted

2. No smoking near the treatment area

3. Wearing fire-resistant clothing is optional

4. All medications can be continued without adjustment

The correct answer is: No smoking near the treatment area

The essential precaution when using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is that no smoking should occur near the treatment area. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which significantly increases the risk of fire. Oxygen is a potent oxidizer, and any open flame, including smoking materials, poses a severe fire hazard in the vicinity of the therapy. This safety measure is critical to protect both patients and staff from the dangers associated with fire in an oxygen-rich setting. In contrast, the other options present important safety considerations that are not accurate in the context of HBOT. The use of flammable products is strictly prohibited to reduce fire risks, wearing fire-resistant clothing is a safety measure that should be taken rather than optional, and while some medications may require adjustment or monitoring during HBOT, it is not safe to assume that all can continue unchanged without risk. This reinforces the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols in the HBOT environment.