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

Which condition is considered an absolute contraindication for HBOT?

1. Osteoradionecrosis

2. Pregnancy

3. Chronic refractory osteomyelitis

4. Gas gangrene

The correct answer is: Pregnancy

The condition that is considered an absolute contraindication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is pregnancy. This is primarily due to concerns regarding the potential effects of the high-pressure environment on the developing fetus. While the effects of HBOT on pregnancy are not fully understood, there is caution exercised because of the possibility of complications that could arise from exposing the fetus to high-pressure oxygen environments. In pregnancy, proper consideration must be given to maternal and fetal safety; thus, healthcare practitioners typically avoid administering HBOT to pregnant patients unless there is an absolutely critical situation that necessitates it and potential risks are thoroughly evaluated and outweighed by the benefits. On the other hand, while conditions like osteoradionecrosis and chronic refractory osteomyelitis may be carefully managed or even treated with HBOT, they do not have the same level of contraindication as pregnancy. Gas gangrene is an illness where HBOT is not only safe but can also be crucial for treatment when compared to the risks involved in treating a pregnant patient with HBOT. Therefore, pregnancy stands as the condition that is regarded as the most definitive contraindication in the context of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.