Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

If the chamber is decompressed while a patient is in the tonic phase of a seizure, pulmonary barotrauma can occur due to the rapid change in pressure. During the tonic phase, the patient may be unable to control their breathing effectively. If decompression happens too quickly, the lungs may not expel the gases properly, leading to an overdistension of the alveoli. This condition can cause the lung tissues to rupture or tear, leading to pulmonary barotrauma.

The risk of barotrauma is particularly significant in hyperbaric environments where there is a substantial difference in pressure between the inside of the chamber and the surrounding environment. In a seizure, the patient's physical control and awareness decrease, heightening the risk of complications arising from sudden decompression. The significance of maintaining stable pressure conditions during such critical moments in a hyperbaric setting is paramount for patient safety and well-being.