Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

What are some indications for HBOT?

1. Chronic pain management

2. Serious wound-related infections

3. Skin graft rejection

4. Burns

The correct answer is: Serious wound-related infections

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. It is indicated for various conditions, particularly those where oxygen delivery to tissues is critically impaired or where anaerobic bacteria thrive. An important indication for HBOT is serious wound-related infections, including but not limited to necrotizing fasciitis and certain types of osteomyelitis. The high-pressure environment increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the plasma, enhancing the oxygen supply to ischemic tissues and improving the body’s ability to fight infection. Additionally, the therapy aids in the creation of reactive oxygen species which can kill bacteria and promote healing in infected wounds. While other choices like chronic pain management, skin graft rejection, and burns may benefit from various treatments, they are not primary indications for HBOT. Chronic pain management typically requires different therapeutic approaches, and skin graft rejection is generally treated through immunosuppressive therapies rather than HBOT. Burns can see benefits from HBOT, but it is not the standard treatment unless complications arise that necessitate enhanced wound healing or infection control. Therefore, the use of HBOT for serious wound-related infections is well supported by clinical evidence and practice guidelines, marking it as a clear indication.